CLINTON, N.Y. – Freshman Billy Veras had a team-high 16 points to lead the Centenary University men's basketball team at Hamilton College on Saturday afternoon.

The Continentals, who were ranked 9th in the D3hoops.com Preseason Poll, jumped out to a 16-point halftime advantage and claimed the 97-72 win.

Hamilton jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the contest but the Cyclones battled back and used an 8-4 run to pull to within one, 11-10 with 15:34 showing on the clock. Sophomore Chris LaBelle and freshman Tyler White each drained a triple during that stretch.

After a Hamilton bucket, the Cyclones scored seven straight points and took a 17-13 lead with 12:29 showing on the clock. Senior Tom Weiler had a three-pointer during that run for Centenary.

Hamilton responded with a 6-0 run of its own and eventually took a 46-30 lead at the half.

Both teams battled hard throughout the second half but the Continentals were able to maintain their double-digit advantage throughout and claimed the 97-72 win.

Hamilton shot 58.1 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the free throw line. Centenary shot 38.8 percent from the field and 61.9 percent from the charity stripe.

Veras finished with 16 points and nine rebounds while Weiler added nine points for the Cyclones.

Peter Hoffman led Hamilton with 18 points.

The Cyclones are back in action on Sunday, Nov. 18 as they wrap up their stay at the Hamilton College Tournament by taking on Morrisville State at 2 p.m.