NEW YORK, N.Y. – Five players scored in double figures as the Centenary University men's basketball team overcame a slow start for a 79-73 win at John Jay College on Tuesday night in nonconference action.

Sophomore Tyler White knocked down a three-pointer at 18:18 to open the scoring.

However, John Jay responded by scoring the next 14 points in the game and took an 11-point lead with 14:29 to go in the half. Romello Ford and Jayson Brower each had four points during that run for the Bloodhounds.

A lay-up from junior Chris LaBelle at 13:36 started a 7-3 run by the visitors that pulled Centenary to within seven, 17-10. That scoring spurt was capped by a traditional three-point play from sophomore Samad McMillan at 11:40.

A free throw from the Bloodhounds at 11:09 pushed the home team's advantage back to eight, 18-10.

Centenary responded by scoring the next nine points in the game and turning a deficit into a one-point advantage, 19-18 with 8:46 remaining before the half. Sophomore Billy Veras scored four points during that run.

The Cyclones outscored John Jay, 20-15 over the final seven minutes of the first half and took a 39-35 lead at the break. White led all scorers with 11 points at the half.

After John Jay scored the first basket of the second half, the Cyclones responded with a 6-0 run and pushed their lead to 45-37 with 15:58 to go in the game. LaBelle had a bucket and an assist in that stretch.

Four quick points following a technical foul on the John Jay bench gave the Cyclones a 49-40 advantage with 13:28 showing on the clock. LaBelle knocked down a pair from the line before a basket from graduate student Tom Weiler.

The two teams traded baskets over the next several minutes as a three-pointer from Weiler and a fast break lay-up from LaBelle gave the visitors a 61-50 lead with 9:11 to go.

A 9-2 run by John Jay cut the Centenary lead to four, 65-61 with 5:12 remaining in the game. Ford had four points during that stretch for the Bloodhounds.

Four straight points from freshman Owen Roberts III pushed the Centenary lead to eight, 69-61 with 4:09 showing on the clock.

The Cyclones and Bloodhounds continued to battle on both ends of the floor as a pair of free throws from Brower pulled John Jay to within three, 71-68 with 1:30 to go.

Centenary went 5-for-6 from the foul line in the final 20 seconds to hold off John Jay for the 79-73 win. Sophomore Divine Anderson was 3-for-4 during that stretch.

Centenary shot 44.1 percent from the field and tied its season-high with eight three-pointers made. The Cyclones also went 11-for-16 from the foul line. John Jay posted a 40.3 field goal percentage and made two three-pointers. The Bloodhounds went 21-for-29 from the charity stripe. Centenary held a 43-38 advantage in the rebounding battle, which led to 14 second chance points for the Cyclones.

Veras paced the Cyclones with 16 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. Weiler finished with 14 points while White added 13 points. After being held to just two points in the first half, LaBelle contributed 11 points and added eight rebounds and eight assists. Roberts III came off the bench to add 12 points.

Brower led John Jay with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The Cyclones are back in action on Tuesday, Dec. 17 when they visit Delaware Valley at 7 p.m.