Hackettstown, N.J. — The Centenary University men's basketball team dropped an Atlantic East Conference matchup to Neumann University, 71–58, Saturday afternoon at the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center.

Centenary (11-14, 9-5 AEC) kept the game tight early and briefly held the lead in the opening minutes, but Neumann used a strong mid-first-half run to take control. The Knights carried a 34–25 advantage into halftime and gradually extended the margin in the second half. Naire Preston, Devin Strickland, and Kenneth Rankin each scored six points to pace the Cyclones' starters. Jasir Lane added four points and four rebounds, while Justin Carbone chipped in three boards and an assist.

Centenary received a boost from its bench, which produced 35 points and saw everyone score. Darnelle Forrest scored six points with six rebounds and two assists, and Jack Martin contributed five points. Michael Salvatore, Roman Carone, and Junior Hans each added four or more points in the effort.The Cyclones shot 38.9% (21-54) from the field and 35% (7-20) from three, while converting 9-of-11 (81.8%)  at the free-throw line. Centenary finished with 31 rebounds and 12 assists.

Neumann was led by Bryan Etienne's 19 points and 10 rebounds, helping the visitors shoot 46.7% and score 40 points in the paint, which proved to be the difference.Centenary trimmed the deficit to single digits early in the second half but could not fully close the gap as Neumann pushed its lead to as many as 24 before the final margin settled at 13.

This wrapped up the regular season as the Cyclones will now travel to Gwynedd Mercy for the AEC Semi-finals. Game time still to be announced.