Gwynedd Valley, Pa. — The Centenary University men's basketball team locked up the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament with a hard-fought 76–70 victory over Gwynedd Mercy University on Wednesday night. The Cyclones placed four starters in double figures and used a strong all-around effort to secure the critical conference road win.

Junior Kenneth Rankin led the way with 23 points, shooting 9-for-20 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line while adding nine rebounds and three assists in 38 minutes of action. Junior Naire Preston continued his strong play with 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers and going 4-for-4 at the line. He also pulled down seven rebounds. Devin Strickland contributed 19 points on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting performance and added seven rebounds. Jasir Lane once again, controlled the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with five assists, while Darnelle Forrest provided a spark off the bench with six points in nine minutes. Centenary battled throughout a tight contest, maintaining composure in the final minutes to close out the six-point victory. The Cyclones shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and made timely free throws down the stretch to keep the Griffins at bay.

With the win, Centenary officially clinches the third seed in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament and will be on the road for the Semifinals next Wednesday. Game details to be announced.