Hackettstown, NJ - The Centenary men's basketball team kept their playoff hopes alive with a 65-61 victory over Immaculata in this afternoon's Colonial States Athletic Conference game.  With the win, Centenary improves to 10-10 overall and 7-6 in the league, while Immaculata drops to 10-11 on the season and 8-6 in CSAC play.
 
The Cyclones got off to a hot start by taking a 14-6 lead seven minutes into the game. Immaculata responded by going on a 15-0 run, which lasted over the course of five minutes to regain the lead (21-14).  Centenary answered with a 9-3 run to bring their deficit to only a point. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half and Immaculata exited with a 34-33 advantage.
 
The second half proved to be anybody's game as neither team managed to get more than a four point lead. The momemtum shifted in favor of the Cyclones when they were trailing 52-55 with five minutes to go, Rashaan Spencer drained one of his two three-point shots to tie the game at 55.
 
Centenary's lead free throw shooter, Andy Charles would sink a pair for the two point (57-55) advantage.  The Cyclones continued to push the pace, and with time slowly dwindling away, Rashaan Spencer made 3-of-4 free throws to extend the lead to a two-possession game twice. Immaculata couldn't come up with the shots they needed towards the end and the Cyclones held on for the crucial conference win.
 
Myles McLeod was a force in this contest scoring 16 points shooting 6-of-13 from the field and grabbing five rebounds. Rashaan Spencer and Andy Charles also contributed in the win with the pair each adding in 12 points, and a combine 14 rebounds.
 
Mamadou Diakite led Immaculata with a team-high 16 points while going 12-of-16 from the line and eight rebounds. Mike Griffin and Matt Simon also passed the 10-point threshold with Griffin garnering 12 points and three boards, while Simon totaled 10 points and four rebounds.
 
Centenary finished the afternoon shooting 38.8% from the field, as they held Immaculata to 26% shooting from the floor. Centenary had a slight edge in points off the bench as they posted 22 over the Mighty Macs 17, including 14 in the second half.
 
Centenary will wrap up their home schedule when they take on Rosemont College on Monday night, @ 8:00 PM