HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Centenary University men's basketball team staged a late second half rally but it fell just short as Maryood University claimed a 62-59 win on Thursday night in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action.

Freshmen Chris LaBelle and Larry Joseph combined for 21 of the Cyclones' 35 second half points and led the comeback attempt.

Marywood got off a hot start and took a 10-0 lead with 15:28 to go in the half. Centenary slowly began chipping away at the Pacers' advantage. An 8-2 run pulled the home team to within four, 12-8 with 12:34 showing on the clock. Sophomore Greg Robinson struck for five of the Cyclones' eight during that stretch.

The two teams traded baskets on either end of the floor. The Cyclones continued to cut into the Marywood lead as Joseph's lay-up at 6:06 pulled the home team to within one, 20-19.

The Pacers closed the first half on a 9-5 run and took a 29-24 advantage at the half.

Centenary used a pair of early three-pointers to cut the Marywood lead to one, 31-30 with 17:43 to go in the game.

The Pacers responded with an 8-1 run and pushed their lead to eight, 39-31 with 14:26 left on the clock. Thomas Swartz tallied five points for the visitors during that stretch.

Centenary scored nine of the next 11 points in the game and took a 42-41 lead with 9:52 to play. Joseph scored four during that stretch while Robinson added three points.
Marywood used a 9-0 run to take a 50-42 lead with 7:02 to go in the game. The two teams traded baskets on each end of the court.

A 6-2 run pulled the Cyclones to within one, 57-56 with 1:19 showing on the clock. Joseph had four during that stretch while LaBelle accounted for the other two.

A pair of free throws from Donovan Catchings gave Marywood a three-point edge, 59-56 with 40 seconds to go. The two teams continued to battle as Robinson's lay-up pulled the home team to within one, 60-59 with five seconds left. James Curley sunk a pair of free throws that secured a 62-59 win for Marywood.

Marywood shot 50 percent from the field in the game and drained six three-pointers. Centenary posted a 35.1 field goal percentage and made seven triples. The Pacers held a 39-29 advantage in the rebounding battle.

LaBelle finished with a team-high 16 points and six rebounds while Joseph added 14 points and five blocks. Robinson contributed 13 points and six rebounds.

Swartz led Marywood with 18 points.

Centenary is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 20 when the Cyclones travel to Rosemont for a 3 p.m. game.