HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Nov. 26, 2016)- Three starters scored in double figures, including 22 points and eight rebounds from sophomore Rashaan Spencer (Hackettstown, N.J. / Mount Olive), as the Centenary University men's basketball team came away with a 78-72 non-conference victory over William Paterson University on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Paul Jones (Trenton, N.J. / Ewing) finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Cyclones improve to 3-2 overall. Turell McClendon finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Pioneers who fall to 2-3 overall.

Jones and sophomore Jake Logue (Manahawkin, N.J. / Southern Regional combined for 27 of the 35 points in a back and forth first half that saw six ties and 12 lead changes. Centenary scored the final four points of the half before the Pioneers Zach Frick made a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to give WPU a 37-35 halftime lead.

In the second half, the battle over the lead continued as neither team held more than a five-point advantage. The Pioneers used a 7-0 run over a 1:35 span to give them a 66-63 lead with 3:21 remaining. Spencer proved to be clutch down the stretch as he scored the final four Cyclone points in regulation, including making a pair of free throws with 1:23 remaining to force overtime at 67-67.

In the extra session, Centenary held William Paterson to only two field goals, as Spencer scored five of the Cyclones 11 points, including a triple to open overtime.

For the game, there were 11 ties and 17 lead changes, as the Cyclones improved to 2-0 against NJAC conference schools this season.

Logue finished with 19 points and seven rebounds, while senior Zachary Duymich (Millstone Township, N.J. / Allentown) finished with 10 assists, seven points, two blocks and two steals. Sophomore Tom Weiler (Old Bridge, N.J. / Bishop George Ahr) added nine rebounds and six points, while junior Hamp Smith (Allentown, Pa. / William Allen) finished with four rebounds and four assists. Galen Smith totaled 13 points and Joseph Taylor added 13 points and six rebounds for William Paterson.

Head Coach Tim Fusina and the Cyclones will return to action in Scranton, Pa. on Wednesday, Nov. 30^th against the Pacers of Marywood University at 8:00 p.m.