Newark, N.J: The Centenary University men's basketball team dropped an 83–72 non-conference decision at Rutgers–Newark on Tuesday afternoon. The Cyclones competed throughout the contest but were unable to slow the Scarlet Raiders' balanced scoring attack in the second half.

Centenary stayed within striking distance early, trading baskets through the opening half and trailing by just three points at the break. Rutgers–Newark gained separation after halftime, using a quick scoring run to open up a double-digit lead midway through the second period. The Cyclones answered with several timely shots and cut the deficit late, but the Scarlet Raiders closed out the game at the free-throw line to secure the win.

Naire Preston paced Centenary with a team-high 15 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, while Kenneth Ranking added 13 points on efficient shooting. Devin Strickland also finished in double figures with 13 points, and Jasir Lane chipped in 7 points and a team-best 10 rebounds to anchor the Cyclones on the glass. Centenary shot 41.9% from the field and 45% from three-point range, but turnovers and second-chance opportunities proved costly.

Centenary will look to regroup as it prepares for their final non conference match up.