LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- Freshman point guard TJ Cox's free throw with just under four seconds left in regulation gave Covenant a 64-63 win over Tennessee Temple on Saturday afternoon inside Barnes Physical Education Center.
Tennessee Temple had just tied the game at 63-63 for the first time on a fastbreak dunk by Germeil Daniels with 28 seconds left. Temple then had a chance to take the lead on its following possession, but guard Jarrett Smith was called for an offensive foul with 6.7 seconds remaining.
After a Covenant timeout, Cox took the inbounds pass and was pushing the ball up the floor before being fouled by Temple's Daniels with 3.2 seconds on the clock. Cox calmly knocked down the first free throw, then missed the second. Temple had one last chance, but Smith's heave from halfcourt as time expired was off the mark and Covenant escaped with the win.
Three players scored in double figures for Covenant (7-16, 2-5 GSAC) led by Callum Sears' 15 points, including three 3-pointers. Cox added a dozen points and three treys of his own, while Damien Chaney continued his solid play with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Before the game, Covenant recognized its three seniors Chase Foster, Zarome Lakey, and Paul Werkema. All three started the game and all contributed significantly.
Lakey had two assists on Covenant's first two possessions of the game that led to five quick points. Lakey finished with four points, five rebounds, and a team-high five assists. Werkema scored four points and dished out three assists, two of which led to 3-pointers. Foster chipped in with one assist and one steal.
Covenant never fell behind in the game. The Scots scored the game's first 10 points and went into the half up 38-33. In the second half, Covenant built its largest lead of the game at 58-44 after a Jon DeVries layup with 10:18 left.
Temple would slowly chip away at its deficit. The Crusaders scored six straight points, capped by the Daniels dunk, to finally catch up to the Scots at 63 apiece in the final minute.
Temple (10-13) was led in scoring by Daniels' 20 points, five rebounds, and four blocked shots. Smith recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists. Josh Morris tallied 10 points and four rebounds.
Covenant will hit the road for its final two regular season matchups. The Scots will take on Great South foe Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga., on Feb. 15. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m.
