HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Drew University used a 14-2 run at the end of the first quarter to break open a tie game and claim a 72-49 win over the Centenary University women's basketball team on Tuesday night in non-conference action.

The start of the first quarter saw the two teams battle back-and-forth early. Drew opened up a 9-2 lead as Cecelia Kracht made a lay-up at 7:11. Centenary scored the next seven points in the game and tied the contest at 9-9. Sophomore Victoria Jacobs had five points during that run.

A lay-up from Erin Frederick jumped started that crucial 14-2 run to end the period, which gave Drew a 23-11 lead after one period of play. Joey Meyers had four points during that stretch.

Sophomore Jessica McKenzie converted a three-point play for the Cyclones at 8:09 of the second period which made it a 26-14 game.

Drew scored 14 of the final 22 points in the second quarter and took a 40-22 lead at the half. Gwen Alberici had five points for the Rangers during that stretch while McKenzie and junior Danika Brandt each scored three points for the Cyclones.

The two teams continued to battle in the third period as Drew extended its advantage to 53-29 with 10 minutes to play. Meyers led Drew with five points in the period while sophomore Taylor Bossert connected on a three-pointer for the Cyclones.

Centenary outscored the Rangers by one, 20-19 in the fourth quarter but that was not enough as Drew secured the 72-49 win. Freshman Kayla Burnett led the Cyclones with five points and two assists in that period while fellow freshman Emerald Richard contributed two points and four rebounds. Freshman Devin Gibbs saw her first action of the season and knocked down a three-pointer in the period.

Drew shot 49.1 percent from the field while the Cyclones posted a 43.5 field goal percentage. The Rangers were 7-for-7 from the foul line while the Cyclones were just 2-for-9. Centenary won the rebounding battle, 32-26.

Jacobs led Centenary with 11 points and five rebounds while Burnett added seven points and two assists. McKenzie and fellow sophomore Carly Tarnowski led the Cyclones on the boards with six.

Meyers and Julia Ramos each had 12 points to lead Drew.

The Cyclones will hit the road for the first time this season on Saturday, Nov. 23 when they travel to SUNY Delhi for a 2 p.m. game.