ASTON, Pa. – Camryn Rothery had a team-high nine points but a strong start to the second half lifted Neumann University to a 69-44 win over the Centenary University women's basketball in Atlantic East action on Saturday afternoon.

The first period was a back-and-forth one as the Cyclones and Knights battled through four ties. Centenary took a 6-5 lead on Salma Eddahiri's jumper at 5:40.

Neuman scored 7 of the next 10 points and grabbed a 12-9 advantage with 3:05 to go in the period.

Centenary responded with a 6-2 run and took a 15-14 edge with 21 seconds showing on the clock. Rothery had four points in that stretch.

Neumann used a late free throw to tie the game at 15-15.

With the game tied at 17-17 in the second, Neumann scored four straight points and took a 21-17 lead with 5:53 to go until the half.

The two teams continued to battle as three-pointers from Kaylie Elsbree and Danika Brandt tied the game at 23-23.

Neumann closed the second period on an 11-5 run and took a 34-28 lead at the break.

The Knights opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run and pushed its lead to 44-30.

The home team had a hot shooting hand and took a 58-36 lead after three periods of play.

The Cyclones and Knights battled back-and-forth throughout the fourth period as Neumann was able to maintain its lead and claimed the 69-44 win.

Centenary shot 34.1% from the field and was 9-for-14 from the foul line. Neumann shot 38.8% from the floor and was 12-for-20 from the charity stripe. The Knights had a 40-35 edge in the rebounding battle.

Rothery finished with nine points and two steals for Centenary. Elsbree added eight points and nine rebounds while Eddahiri contributed eight points and seven rebounds. Devin Gibbs earned her first start and had seven points and six rebounds.

Madison Stewart finished with 12 points and six rebounds for Neumann.

The Cyclones are back in action on Monday, Feb. 7 when they host Gwynedd Mercy at 6 p.m.