For 37 days, Paine College men's basketball coach Ron Spry has been asked when he was going to earn his 500th career victory.

The answer, to Spry's relief, came on New Year's Day in Fairfield, Ala.

Spry reached the milestone as his Lions beat Miles College 95-86 in double overtime at Knox-Windham Gym.

Spry is now 500-355 in 31 years of coaching. He's in his 29th year at Paine, where he is 456-338.

The 55-year-old Spry had been sitting on 499 wins since Nov. 24. His Lions, now 2-6, had lost four in row before winning Thursday.

Spry said he was relieved to get the victory "because so many of my friends and supporters have been asking.

"From the dry cleaner's, to dinner, to church, they ask, 'have you got your 500th?' I wanted to get it behind me because so many have asked."

Junior Julian English led the Lions with 35 points, including seven in the second overtime, when he hit all seven of his free-throw attempts.

"I really credit all the many outstanding young men who have allowed me to coach them and believe in my philosophy," Spry said. "And because of the support in the community and the alumni and the administration; I'm happy for all of those who have supported me."

The 500th victory came on Spry's fifth attempt after a 1-2 start. His starting lineup consists of one senior, three sophomores and a junior.

"I thought each game we showed signs of improvement," Spry said. "These guys are young and not as big as we once were, but they're improving every single game."

In Thursday's game, Paine fell behind 13-1, but rallied to tie it at 33 by halftime.

Paine's Joshua Adams hit two unanswered baskets to open the second overtime as Paine went on to outscore the Golden Bears 15-6.

Spry said "it would have been a joy" to get the victory at Paine's Carter Gymnasium, but that he takes the wins as they come.

"I've always maintained from every game I've been able to win that you never win before the good Lord wants you to win," he said.

The congratulations from his supporters will have to wait. Paine plays host to Clark Atlanta on Saturday in its next game, but Spry will be in Princeton, Ky., for the funeral of a great-aunt.

Reach David Westin at (706) 724-0851 or david.westin@augustachronicle.com.