David Perez scores 25 points as Centenary defeats Grambling State 71-66

Centenary defeats Grambling State 71-66

GRAMBLING, La. — David Perez scored 25 points and Centenary defeated Grambling State 71-66 on Tuesday night.

Down 44-38, the Gentlemen (1-1) scored seven straight points to take their first lead of the game on a 3-pointer by Daman Starring with 12:32 remaining in the game.

Centenary built its lead to 63-55 on two free throws by Roman Tubner with 36 seconds left to play.

Grambling, which led 37-28 at halftime, led by 35-25 on a layup by Donald Qualls with 1:17 left in the first half.

Lance Fuertado had a double-double for the Tigers with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Qualls and Ariece Perkis added 14 points each for Grambling in its season opener.

The Tigers shot 46.2 percent from the field (12 of 26) in the first half, but made just 10 of 27 in the second (37 percent).