Box Score James Lonergan poured in a career-high 22 points as Colorado College overcame an early nine-point deficit to defeat Centenary College, 81-65, on Sunday afternoon at Reid Arena.

Lonergan went 8-for-12 from the floor and made six of nine free throws to reach the 20-point mark for the second time this season. The senior forward also recorded game highs with eight rebounds and six assists.

With their fourth victory in five games this week, the Tigers leveled their season record at 6-6. CC also is atop the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference standings with a 2-0 mark.

"I'm proud of the way our guys handled an NBA-type schedule with five games in seven days," head coach Andy Partee said. "Our depth was the key to our success. A lot of young guys played some meaningful minutes."

Sophomore forward John Hatch finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and a pair of assists. Sophomore guard Eric Houska also scored 15 points and added three assists.

Junior forward Kendall Demouchet was red-hot during the first five minutes, hitting five consecutive shots that generated 15 points as the Gents raced to an early 19-10 lead.

Colorado College answered with 10 consecutive points and took its first lead when freshman guard Reed Nakikihara hit a three-pointer from the right wing 8:44 into the contest.

Neither team led by more than two points until buckets by Nakakihara and Hatch put the Tigers ahead 33-28 with 7:23 to play.

Centenary pulled to within a point when Demouchet scored the last of his team-leading 18 points, but a layup from Lonergan and then a dunk and blocked shot by Hatch ignited a 12-3 run that put CC in front 45-35 after 20 minutes.

Senior guard Juwan Rohan gave Colorado College a 19-point lead when he dialed long distance from the left corner just 14 seconds after entering the game midway through the second half.

Senior guard Brandon Campbell hit back-to-back three-pointers to help the Gents pull to within 12 points at 66-54, however they were unable to get any closer during the final 5:33.

A three-pointer from Bobby Roth another slam by Hatch gave the Tigers a 77-60 lead with 1:51 to play, which allowed Partee to clear the bench and give several of his starters a well-earned ovation.

CC finished with 41-34 advantage on the glass and won the turnover battle, 15-14. The unselfish Tigers also earned assists on 21 of their 28 baskets.

"Two of our five points of emphasis were to win the rebounding battle and take care of the ball," Partee said. "I thought we earned a B+ in yesterday's victory. Today, the guys got an A+."

Sophomore guard Travion Kirkendoll recorded 14 points and six rebounds for Centenary, which slipped to 7-5 overall and 0-2 in the SCAC.

Campbell finished with 12 points, while freshman guard Treylan Matthews added 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Colorado College completes its seven-game home stand next week with conference games against Trinity University and Schreiner University on Friday and Sunday, respectively.