Trinity (13-4, 5-1) and Centre were tied 27-27 at the half. The Tigers held a lead of as much as five points in the opening period, and Centre's biggest lead - four points - came with 3:04 remaining in the first half. Trinity erased that lead for the sixth tie of the game heading into halftime.
In the second half, Trinity opened an eight point lead in the first five minutes with a 13-5 run, but a 6-0 Centre run kept the game close. The Colonels cut the lead to just two points with 3:11 to play (61-59), but the Tigers scored nine straight points over the next 2:37 to take control of the game. Trinity hit 8-10 from the foul line in the final minute to seal the win.
Sean Devins led the way for the Tigers with a career-high 24 points on 10-13 shooting. He also hit 4-5 from the free throw line, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded three blocks - all in the opening moments of the game.
Chad Stroberg hit 10-12 from the line - including 6-8 in the final minute - and finished with 13 points and four assists. Andy Bates scored 11 points and handed out four assists, and electrified the home crowd with an alley-oop dunk midway through the second half.
Peter Murray led all players with 11 rebounds, and both he and Jason Morris chipped in with nine points in the game.
Matt Jacobson scored 19 points to lead three Centre players in double figures. Matt Nestheide added 14 points, while Coy Zerhusen chipped in with 13 points.
Trinity shot 50% from the floor, hitting 24-48 shots. The Tigers hit 59.1% in the second half to send the team to the win. Centre shot 43.1% from the field as a team, including 50% (13-26) in the second half.
The Tigers will face Sewanee on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.