SHREVEPORT, La. - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor basketball team earned a 91-75 win over Centenary College Friday in Shreveport. The win improved the Cru to 7-4 on the season while the Gents fell to 1-8.
 
UMHB led early but the Gents evened the game at five, eight and 12. UMHB used an 8-0 run, led by Grant Jessen with four points to take a 20-12 lead at 10:51 left in the first half. The Gents pulled within three but UMHB answered again with a 6-0 run. UMHB took a double-digit lead at 5:41 and went into halftime up 43-35.
 
Elijah Lawrence opened the second half with a three-pointer but the Gents fought back, pulling within four at 17:38. UMHB responded with six unanswered points to retake a double-digit margin and held the high ground through the remainder of the contest, cruising to the 91-75 win.
 
Lawrence led the Cru with 22 points while Hudson Johnson added 21. Zach Engels and Grant Jessen also finished with double-digit points scored while Jessen also added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Connor Zamiara and Lawrence both added nine rebounds while Engels and Josh Pearre added eight. Lawrence also had a team-high five assists and two steals.
 
"These are the kinds of games that worry coaches," Sam Patterson said. "Playing a team like Centenary that is much better than their record shows, on the road before Christmas break. Credit to our guys for rising to the challenge and playing with relentless energy against a well-coached team. I thought everyone who played for us impacted winning. Grant Jesse. earning a double-double, Hudson Johnson setting the pace with his scoring, Connor Zamiara and Zach Engles playing with toughness that is contagious. I thought Elijah Lawrence played as good of a second half as I've seen anyone play this year. Dontae Coasy accepting the challenge of defending a couple outstanding guards. I'm proud of Josh Pearre and Zach May for coming in and impacting that game with their effort and energy. I thought we executed the game plan both offensively and defensively. Being able to execute a 2-for-1 at the end of the first half gave us some momentum going into halftime. I thought we were good coming out of timeouts and understanding personnel defensively."

UMHB returns to action in the D3hoops.com Classic December 29^th – 30^th in Las Vegas.

"Now it's time for our guys to balance rest at home with family and being able maintain a level of game shape.  I'm proud of everyone for how they have completely poured themselves into the team. Excited for them to enjoy some time off for Christmas and come back with a renewed sense of motivation and anticipation for the next stretch of opportunities."