In a thrilling and tightly contested battle, the Centenary University Cyclones pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the top-seeded Gwynedd Mercy Griffins 75-72 in a game that will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises of the season. The victory sends shock waves through the conference as the Cyclones toppled the heavy favorites in a nail-biting finish.
The game started with both teams showing their strengths early on. The Griffins, who entered the game as the number-one seed, came out aggressive, looking to assert their dominance. However, the Cyclones were not intimidated, and their offensive execution was sharp from the start. Leading the charge for Centenary was junior guard Justin Carbone, who had an explosive performance, finishing the game with a game-high 24 points. Carbone was on fire from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers and proving to be the difference maker throughout the game.
While Carbone was lighting it up on the offensive end, the Cyclones' defense was equally impressive. They played with intensity, contesting shots and forcing the Griffins into difficult situations. Despite a strong effort from the Griffins' star players, the Cyclones held their ground.
As the game progressed, the battle in the paint became crucial. The Cyclones controlled the boards, with Jasir Lane and Kenneth Rankin putting in dominant performances under the basket. Lane, a force on both ends of the floor, grabbed 12 rebounds, playing a key role in limiting the Griffins' second-chance opportunities. Rankin wasn't far behind, securing 10 rebounds and providing the Cyclones with the necessary muscle to fend off the Griffins' efforts to rally back.
The win moves the Centenary Cyclones to 11-14Â on the season and 5-7 in conference play. The victory not only boosts the Cyclones' confidence but also secures their place in the Atlantic East Playoffs and secure themselves as a team to watch as the postseason approaches.