HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Freshman Carmen Escano pulled down a season-high 22 rebounds to lead the Centenary University women's basketball team to a 53-46 win over Notre Dame University of Maryland on Saturday afternoon in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) regular season finale.

Escano's 22 rebounds are tied for fourth most in single-game history at Centenary and are the most rebounds by a Cyclone since Jessa Jones had 22 in 2006.

Centenary took an 8-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. Sophomore Taylor Bossert and junior Danika Brandt each drained three-pointers for the Cyclones in that stretch.

Notre Dame opened the second quarter on an 11-2 run and took a 13-10 lead with 3:19 to play until the half. Ariana Alleyne scored seven points during that stretch for the Gators.

Centenary responded with six straight points and took a 16-13 lead with 1:16 showing on the clock. Freshman Kayla Burnett and Brandt each scored three points during that spurt.

The two teams traded points over the final minute as a pair of free throws from sophomore Victoria Jacobs sent the Cyclones into the locker room with a 20-15 lead.

Notre Dame scored 13 of the first 19 points in the third quarter and took a 28-26 lead with 4:29 remaining in the period. Alleyne had seven of the 13 Gator points in that stretch.

Centenary closed the third quarter on a 9-2 run and took a 35-30 lead with 10 minutes to go in the game. Burnett had four points in that stretch.

The Cyclones scored the first six points of the fourth quarter and extended their advantage to 41-30 with 7:09 to go in the game. Freshman Janne Rowan scored four of the six points in that stretch.

The two teams continued to battle as a pair of free throws from Burnett at 5:39 put the home team on top, 45-32.

Centenary took its largest lead of the game, 52-38 as Escano connected on a lay-up with 1:58 to play in the contest.

Notre Dame scored eight of the final nine points in the game, but the Cyclones secured the 53-46 victory.

Centenary shot 32.2 percent from the field in the game and was 11-for-15 from the foul line. Notre Dame posted a 27.5 field goal percentage and was 6-for-17 from the foul line. The Cyclones dominated the rebounding battle, 59-40.

In addition to her 22 rebounds, Escano added 16 points for her sixth double-double of the year. Burnett contributed 11 points and six rebounds while Bossert had nine points and four rebounds.

Alleyne had a game-high 18 points for Notre Dame.

The Cyclones are back in action on Monday, Feb. 24 when they travel to Clarks Summit for the first round of the CSAC Tournament. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.