BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Sophomore Chris LaBelle poured in a season-high 26 points to lead the Centenary University men's basketball team to a 78-75 win over the College of New Rochelle in the opening game of the Medgar Evers Tournament. The Cyclones have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season.

A three-pointer from LaBelle at 9:26 gave the Cyclones a 16-10 lead over the Blue Angels. The two teams continued to trade points as three straight free throws from LaBelle pushed the lead to 23-19 with 6:50 to go in the first half.

A triple from Hunter Schenkel gave New Rochelle a 24-23 edge with 6:06 showing on the clock. Centenary closed the first half on a 15-7 run and took a 38-31 lead at the half. Senior Stewart Lester scored four points during that scoring spurt for the Cyclones.

A lay-up from sophomore Emmanuel Doh at 18:43 of the second half gave the Cyclones a 42-36 lead.

That bucket was part of a 12-2 run that pushed the Centenary lead to 52-42 with 14:49 left on the clock. Freshman Billy Veras converted a traditional three-point play during that scoring stretch.

A pair of free throws from freshman Tyler White at 11:45 gave the Cyclones a 59-45 advantage in the contest.

The two teams continued to battle on each end of the court. Doh sunk a pair of free throws at 8:02 which allowed Centenary to take a 67-57 lead.

A traditional three-point play from freshman Divine Anderson at 4:21 pushed the Cyclone advantage to 76-62.

A 13-1 run by New Rochelle pulled the Blue Angels to within two, 77-75 with 1:48 to play. Schenkel scored seven straight points for New Rochelle during that run.

Anderson hit one-of-two from the foul line with four seconds to play to seal the 78-75 win for the Cyclones.

Centenary shot 38.7 percent from the floor and 59 percent from the foul line. New Rochelle posted a 36 field goal percentage and a 59.3 free throw percentage. The Cyclones held a 56-45 advantage in the rebounding battle.

LaBelle added five rebounds and six assists to go with his 26 points. It marked the third straight game he has scored 20 or more points. Doh posted 17 points and 12 rebounds for the double-double performance. Veras dominated the rebounding battle with 17 boards and added nine points.

Schenkel led New Rochelle with 30 points and 13 rebounds.

The Cyclones are back in action on Sunday, Dec. 30 when they take on Medgar Evers to wrap up the tournament at 4 p.m.