Tigers hold on against Millsaps; tie longest winning streak since 1975-76

SEWANEE, Tenn. (Feb. 8, 2013) – For the first time since the 1975-76 season, the Sewanee men's basketball team has won seven straight games after the Tigers outlasted Southern Athletic Association (SAA) foe Millsaps, 65-64, Friday.

With the win, Sewanee improved to 15-7. Additionally, the Tigers' 15 victories are the most overall wins the program has had since the 1997-98 team finished 20-6. 

After honoring seniors Tyler Brown, Brett Bouldin, and Lewis Affronti prior to the game, it would be Brown and Bouldin that lifted Sewanee to victory late.

After a furious second-half comeback by Millsaps, the Majors took a 62-60 lead after Nick Cortese made a three with 56 seconds left. However, on the ensuing possession, Bouldin pushed the Tigers back in front with a three with 34 seconds to go.

After another clutch shot by Corteste, it was Brown that stepped up. After junior Valentino Bryant drove the length of the floor, Brown hit the tough game-winner with only two seconds left.

In the first half, Sewanee built its initial lead after the Tigers closed the half on a 18-6 run. During that stretch, the Tigers made almost 70 percent of their attempts.

Up by as much as 14 in the second half, Millsaps set up the dramatic final minute with a strong comeback. With 14 minutes to play, the Majors chipped away at their deficit until Corteste's three put Millsaps in front.

Overall, Sewanee made 48 percent of its attempts (24-for-50). The Tigers were also clutch from the free throw line after making 8-of-9 shots. Despite getting outrebounded, the Tigers limited Millsaps' fast-break points after committing their second-lowest turnover rate of the season.

Individually, Brown led Sewanee with a team-high 14 points. Additionally, the senior from Goodlettsville, Tenn., moved into 10^th-place in the school's all-time record book after he finished with five rebounds.

Also, sophomore forward Robert Veal pitched in a season-high 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

Cortese led Millsaps with a game-high 17 points.

Sewanee will close out its 2012-13 home season with a 3:00 p.m., contest against Birmingham-Southern, Sunday.

For more information on Sewanee Athletics, please visit www.SewaneeTigers.com. You can also check the Tigers out on Twitter (Sewaneeathletic) and Facebook (SewaneeAthletics).