BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Panthers overcame a slow start in the first half by outscoring Centre by 17 in the second half, to complete a 14-point comeback and advance to the SAA Tournament semifinal round. 

For most of the opening four minutes of play the Panthers and Colonels traded leads, with no team going up by more than one possession. Coming out of the media timeout Centre found their rhythm on offense and went on a 9-1 run to take the lead. A pair of three pointers from Troy Stephens and Cameron Glover brought the lead down to three, but that would be as close as they got the rest of the half. Centre would shoot well for the remainder of the period increasing their lead to as much as 17. The Panthers cut the lead down to 14 just before halftime and had their work cut out for them in the second half. 

Down 14, in a win or go home situation the Panthers backs were against the wall, but they never wavered. As the second half went on BSC kept chipping away at the Colonels lead. With just under eight minutes to go in regulation Birmingham-Southern went on a 16-2 run to tie the game 66-66. 

With under two minutes to play Centre took a three point lead, but again the Panthers did not bat an eye. Christian Stewart tied the game after a made layup with 1:27 remaining. BSC then got a defensive stop and Troy Stephens knocked down a three pointer to give them their first lead since leading 5-4 at the 17:05 mark in the first half. BSC held onto the lead and completed a 14-point comeback, defeating Centre 71-68.

Records 
Birmingham-Southern 12-13 Overall (6-7 SAA), Centre 11-12 Overall (5-7 SAA)

News and notes
> This is the first time since the 2017-18 season that the Panthers have advanced past the first round. 
> BSC held Centre to just nine made baskets in the second half. 
> Seven players scored five or more points. 

Up next 
The Panthers will play Berry College in the semifinal round of the SAA Tournament. The game is set for Saturday, Feb. 26 with a tip-off time to be determined.