Box Score Aston, PA – The #3 Centenary College men's basketball team was defeated by second seeded, Neumann University in the Colonial States Athletic Conference semifinal game earlier this evening by a final score of 57-52.  The loss ends the Cyclones playoff run with an overall record of 15-12, while Neumann (16-10) advances to the Championship game against #1 Cabrini. 

In an evenly matched game, it was no surprise both squads posted nine ties and 14 lead changes throughout the game.  With the game tied at 8-8, Neumann pushed ahead on a 7-0 spurt for a 15-8 advantage.  Centenary answered back with a 9-2 run sparked by Josh Case and Paul Jones to tie the game at 17 apiece.  The rest of the half was a back and forth battle won by the Knights who headed into the locker room with a 26-24 lead. 

After the break, both teams continued to work extremely hard to get past defenders but the defense of each team kept the game close with neither team holding more than a five point advantage.

Trailing 32-30 at the 15:22 mark, Centenary put together a 9-2 run for a 39-34 lead courtesy of Kyle Smith who started things off with a three pointer, followed by Myles McLeod's back-to-back three-point plays.  At 9:42, the Knights fought back and regained the lead (42-41) as James Butler single-handedly brought Neumann back scoring six consecutive points. 

Centenary's Josh Case would take back the lead for the Cyclones followed by Djovan Beausejour layup for a three point lead (45-42) with 8:57 to go.  The Knights would take the lead one final time and push ahead for the five point gap (50-45) with 6:32 to go.  Centenary cut the deficit to two twice throughout the final four minutes of play but were unable to connect for the tie down the stretch. 

Centenary's Myles McLeod netted a team-high 14 points, all of which came in the second half along with eight rebounds.  Rashaan Spencer added nine points and six rebounds, while Josh Case chipped in seven points and two blocks.  Paul Jones and Kyle Smith each tallied six points, while Andy Charles finished the night with four points, five rebounds and five blocks. 

The Knights had three players in double figures, led by James Butler leading all scorers with 17 points and nine boards, while Andrew Moye notched a double-double 13 points and 11 rebounds.  Denzel Yard chipped in 10 points and three assists respectively. 

Centenary looks to continue their season as they await a bid to the ECAC Tournament for the first time since the '95-'96 season.   
 
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