HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Three players scored at least 20 points to lead the Centenary University men's basketball team to a 107-96 win over the College of Saint Elizabeth in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play on Monday night. The Cyclones tied the school record for single-game points while winning their fifth straight game.
The Cyclones tied the school record for single-game points with 107. That mark was originally set by the 1994-95 team against Stevens.
In the game, junior
Chris LaBelle broke the CSAC single-season free throws made record as he went 10-for-13 in the game and has now hit 175 free throws this season. LaBelle scored his 500th point of the season becoming the third player in school history to go over the 500-point plateau.
"I thought
Tom Weiler played one of the best games of his career tonight," said interim head coach
Jason Geleski. "He hit six three-pointers and finished with 13 rebounds and 26 points.
Mike Young also had one of his best games of the games – he played lock down defense and hit two big three-pointers."
"Chris had 22 points, eight assists and had another big night from the free throw line," added Geleski. "I also thought
Billy Veras another strong game. Free throws are a big part of what we do and going 27-for-24 is a big part of this win. College of Saint Elizabeth has no quit in them and Coach Wagenblast's kids played hard till the end."
The Cyclones quickly jumped out to a 6-0 lead as LaBelle hit a fast break jumper at 17:47.
Saint Elizabeth responded with a 10-2 run and took a 10-8 lead with 13:54 to play in the period.
Jason Saldiveri and
Lance Rhoden each scored four points during that stretch.
Centenary scored the next 10 points, including eight straight from Weiler, gave the home team an 18-10 advantage with 10:31 showing on the clock.
The Cyclones and Eagles traded points as a triple from Young gave the Cyclones a 26-18 edge with 7:50 go in the period.
Weiler's third three-pointer gave the Cyclones a 32-20 lead at the 6:01 mark.
After Saint Elizabeth cut the lead to seven, 37-30, the Cyclones closed the first half on a 9-3 run and took a 46-33 lead at the break. Weiler, LaBelle and Veras each had three points during that stretch.
Back-to-back triples from Weiler to start the second half helped Centenary extend its lead to 52-34 with 18:06 to go in the game.
The Cyclones and Eagles traded points as a bucket from freshman
D'Angelo Blackmond at 14:24 gave the home team a 58-41 lead.
An 11-2 run by the Eagles cut the Centenary advantage to eight, 60-52 with 12:05 showing on the clock.
Cam Tucker had five points during that stretch.
The Cyclones scored seven of the next nine points in the game and pushed their lead back to 13, 67-54 with 10:56 to play in the game. LaBelle had four points in that stretch.
The two teams continued to battle as a pair of free throws from Veras at 6:32 gave the Cyclones an 82-64 lead.
The Cyclones and Eagles battled down the stretch as Centenary went 10-for-10 from the foul line in the final 1:18 to secure the 107-96 win. Weiler made all six of his free throws down the stretch.
Centenary shot a solid 53.1 percent from the field and knocked down a season-high 12 three-pointers. The Cyclones went 27-for-34 from the foul line including 23-for-29 in the second half. Saint Elizabeth posted a 45.2 field goal percentage and was 13-for-16 from the foul line. Centenary held a 42-40 edge in the rebounding battle.
The Cyclones had four players score in double figures and three players scored 22 or more points in the win. It was the first time since Dec. 7, 2016 against Rosemont that the Cyclones had three players with 20 or more points in a game.
Weiler led Centenary with a career-high 26 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Veras added 25 points and nine rebounds while LaBelle contributed 22 points and eight assists.
Blackmond finished with 17 points for Centenary.
Saldiveri had 24 points and nine rebounds for Saint Elizabeth.
The Cyclones are back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 12 when they travel to Keystone for an 8 p.m. game.
