WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Centenary University women's basketball team had a big fourth quarter but it was not enough as Wilkes University claimed a 63-51 victory on Thursday evening. Freshman Jessica McKenzie posted her third straight double-double to lead the Cyclones in the contest.

The two teams went back-and-forth early in the first quarter as sophomore Danika Brandt gave the Cyclones a 9-4 lead with a three-pointer at 7:59. Wilkes responded with a 9-0 run and took a 13-9 advantage with 4:58 showing on the clock.

Junior Katie Alvarez halted the Colonials run with a free throw at the 4:37 mark. That was part of a five-point scoring spurt which gave the Cyclones a 14-13 lead with 3:59 to go in the period. That run was capped by a free throw from senior Kayla Rowan.

Wilkes closed the first quarter on a 13-0 run and took a 26-14 lead after 10 minutes of action.

Centenary scored the first five points of the second quarter, behind a three-pointer from freshman Victoria Jacobs and a lay-up from Alvarez.

The Colonials closed the quarter with the hot scoring hand and took a 39-23 lead at the half.

Wilkes opened the third quarter on a 6-0 run and took a 45-23 lead with 5:33 to go in the stanza. Jacobs got Centenary on the board in the period with a basket at 5:18.

The two teams battled over the final five minutes of the period as Wilkes took a 57-35 lead with 10 minutes to play.

Centenary scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter and made it a 57-42 game with 6:08 to play. McKenzie struck for three in that run while junior Dayna Wich had back-to-back baskets for the Cyclones.

Wilkes broke up the Centenary run with a three-pointer but the Cyclones responded with a 6-0 run which made it a 60-48 game with 2:13 showing on the clock.

The two teams traded points down the stretch as Wilkes secured the 63-51 victory.

Wilkes shot 34.5 percent from the field in the contest and was 16-for-23 from the foul line. Centenary posted a 36 field goal percentage and went 10-for-16 from the charity stripe. The Cyclones held a 43-35 advantage in the rebounding battle.

McKenzie finished with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Cyclones. Jacobs contributed a season-best 14 points as well.

Gab Giordano led Wilkes with 16 points and nine rebounds while Alyssa Alfano added 12 points.

The Cyclones are back in action when they resume Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play by traveling to Wilson on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m.