LANGHORNE, Pa. – In a back-and-forth battle that featured nine ties and 16 lead changes, the Centenary University men's basketball team battled for a 104-99 overtime win at Cairn University in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play on Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore Billy Veras and junior Chris LaBelle combined for 50 points to lead the Cyclones to their third straight win. It also marked the fourth time this season, Centenary has scored 100 or more points in a game.

"I thought we took a step forward as a program," said interim head coach Jason Geleski. "We had contributions from many kids tonight. Cairn is a tough place to win and this is a solid victory."

"I thought Billy and Tom Weiler were tremendous on their bigs and D'Angelo Blackmond had a strong showing once again," added Geleski. "Our ability to execute under duress was the key to the win. I'm proud of this team!"

With the game tied at 4-4 in the first period, Cairn went on an 8-3 run and took a 12-7 lead with 14:05 showing on the clock. Jeremiah Harris scored six of the eight points in that stretch.

Trailing 18-9, the Cyclones scored seven straight points and cut the Cairn lead to 18-16 with 8:48 remaining until the half. Veras connected on a three-pointer during that scoring spurt.

The Cyclones and Highlanders traded baskets as a three-pointer from Jesse Rivera at 4:02 gave the home team a 32-21 edge.

The Highlanders pushed their lead to 41-29 on a Malachi Hall lay-up at 1:55.

Three-pointers from Veras and freshman Owen Roberts III sent the Cyclones into the locker room trailing Cairn by six, 44-38.

Centenary scored nine of the first 12 points in the second period and tied the game at 47-47 at the 17:39 mark. LaBelle scored five points during that stretch.

A lay-up from Justin Dean gave Cairn a 55-50 lead with 15:26 to go in regulation.

A bucket from Roberts III put Centenary on top, 60-59 with 11:22 showing on the clock.

A pair of three-pointers, including one from Hall, allowed the home team to take a 65-62 edge with 10:45 left.

The Cyclones and Highlanders traded points as a Julian Collazo lay-up gave Cairn a 72-68 advantage at 8:39.

Another lay-up from Collazo extended the home team's lead to 77-71 with 5:59 showing on the clock.

The Cyclones battled back and pulled to within three, 81-78 on a LaBelle jumper with 4:36 to go in regulation.

The two sides continued to trade points on both ends of the court as a Harris triple with 50 seconds showing on the clock gave Cairn an 88-86 lead.

LaBelle connected on a fastbreak lay-up with six seconds to go, which tied the game at 88-88 and sent the two teams to overtime.

A Blackmond lay-up at 3:32 of the extra session gave the Cyclones a 93-92 edge.

Cairn went back on top, 94-93 via a Harris lay-up at 3:20 of overtime.

Centenary scored the next seven points and took a 100-94 lead with 1:08 showing on the clock. LaBelle had a big three-pointer during that stretch.

The Cyclones went 4-for-6 from the foul line in the final minute of overtime to seal the 104-99 win. LaBelle hit three of those four shots.

Centenary shot 48.1 percent from the field, including 5-for-10 in overtime. The Cyclones also knocked 11 three-pointers in the game. Cairn posted a 45.3 field goal percentage and was 5-for-12 in overtime. The Highlanders made 12 three-pointers in the game. Cairn won the rebounding battle, 55-41.

LaBelle paced the Cyclones with 28 points, eight assists and four steals. Veras contributed 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Weiler finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for Centenary. Roberts III posted 19 points while Blackmond had 11 points and eight boards.

Harris led Cairn with 30 points.

The Cyclones are back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 15 when they host Bryn Athyn at 8 p.m.