HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. –
Chris LaBelle and
Harrison Lucibello combined for 43 points to lead the Centenary University men's basketball team to an 80-74 win over Immaculata University in the regular season finale on Saturday.
The Cyclones honored LaBelle,
Mike Strazza,
Bryce Falk and
Emmanuel Osei prior to the game for their contributions on Senior Day.
The Cyclones sprinted out to a quick 12-2 lead as Falk connected on a fast break jumper at 16:23.
Centenary pushed its lead to 22-9 as
Trevor Giordano made one of two from the foul line at 12:11.
A three-pointer from
Billy Veras and a bucket from Lucibello extended the home team's lead to 30-17 at the 8:21 mark.
Veras and Lucibello combined for back-to-back buckets as Centenary took a 37-24 lead with 4:59 to go until the break.
The two teams continued to battle as Centenary took a 46-29 lead at the half.
The Cyclones and Mighty Macs went back-and-forth to start the second half. Lucibello had a lay-up at 14:07 which gave the home team a 53-37 lead.
A three-pointer from Lucibello at 10:58 gave the Cyclones a 58-45 edge.
A Falk jumper at 6:04 gave Centenary a 69-59 lead.
The two teams continued to battle and trade points. Centenary was a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line in the final 1:07 to hold off Immaculata for the 80-74 win.
Centenary shot 45.3% from the floor, including 61.3% in the first half. Immaculata shot 42.3% from the field. Centenary won the rebounding battle, 48-37.
LaBelle contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Lucibello had 21 points and six rebounds for the Cyclones.
Isaac Poueriet led the Cyclones on the boards with 16 and added 11 points.
Asa Kitchens led Immaculata with 15 points.
Centenary will be back in action on Monday, Feb. 21 when the Atlantic East Tournament playoffs get underway. The Cyclones will travel to Gwynedd Mercy.
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