Lookout Mt. GA. - The Scots took on Berry in a non-conference road matchup. After a closely contested first half, the Vikings gradually created separation and ultimately secured the win.

Final: Covenant 108, Centre 112
Records: Covenant (1-5), Berry (3-2)

The game opened at a blistering pace, with both teams pushing the tempo and scoring efficiently, resulting in a 14-14 deadlock at the under-16 media timeout. Covenant emerged from the break with momentum, going on a 12-4 run capped by two free throws from Luuk Dusek to establish a 26-18 advantage.

The Colonels countered with an 8-2 surge to trim the deficit to three, but the Scots maintained control as the teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half. Covenant ultimately carried a 55-47 lead into the locker room. The Scots final points of the period came on a precise pass delivered out of the pick-and-roll by Korbin Long that set up a one-handed slam by Pierce Smith.

Covenant opened the second half with authority, as Jake Stephens and Luuk Dusek scored on consecutive possessions to extend the Scots lead to a game-high 60-47. However, momentum shifted with just under fourteen minutes remaining, when Centre went on a 9-0 run to pull within one. From there, the contest evolved into a tightly contested, back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads throughout the half. Covenant managed to create some separation late, pushing ahead 85–80, but the Colonels responded once again, his time with an 8-0 run to swing the advantage in their favor.

The Scots trailed by three with 30 seconds remaining, and Centre held possession. Covenant, however, produced a critical defensive play, forcing a turnover on the inbounds pass. Long quickly pushed the ball in transition and connected with Pierce Smith for a momentum-shifting dunk, trimming the deficit to 108-107. Centre then missed both free throws on the ensuing possession, giving Covenant an opportunity at the line with six seconds left. The Scots were unable to capitalize, and the Colonels secured the game in the final seconds, handing Covenant a hard-fought 112-108 defeat.

Smith led the way for the Scots as he scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists. Logan Patterson also had a big game as he contributed 20 points while Dusek scored 16 points while shooting 4-6 from three. Long was another difference maker as he scored nine points to go along with nine assists.

The rebounding advantage belonged to the Colonels as they dominated the glass by a margin of 49-35. The Scots did a good job of speeding Centre up as they forced 17 turnovers while committing just ten themselves. Covenant also outshot Centre 51%-48% from the floor while Centre had the advantage from three outshooting the Scots 38%-25% from three.

Covenant moves to 1-4 all-time against Centre.

UP NEXT: Covenant takes on Oglethorpe at home on Saturday at 3:00 in Day 2 the 84 Lumber Classic.

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