by Wesley Kaminsky

Rosemont, PA – In an emotional senior night for the Rosemont Ravens, the Centenary Cyclones used a big second half to sweep the season series, and improve to 12-11, and 8-8 in the CSAC. The Ravens couldn't capitalize on a chance to clinch a CSAC playoff spot at home as they dropped to 12-11, and 8-8 in the conference, the same record as Centenary. For seniors Harrison Carsillo (Collingswood, NJ) and William Hayes-Webb (Simon Gratz/Philadelphia), this was not the way they wanted to go out, losing their last game at Alumnae Hall.

Right out of the gate, the Cyclones got off to a red-hot start as they held an 11-4 lead with 15:30 left in the first half. However, the Ravens went on a 10-1 run, highlighted by two three pointers by Justin Chaney (Jr./Williamstown, NJ) to cut the lead to 15-14, with 12:30 remaining in the half. Leading 20-16 with 8:51 left in the half, the Cyclones went to a press, which led to two straight Ravens turnovers, pushing Centenary's lead to 26-16 with 8:03 left. Just as they'd been doing the whole half though, the Ravens clawed back and went on a 10-4 run, that included two three-pointers by Mitch Carsillo (Jr./Collingswood, NJ).

Trailing by 32-26 with 2:36 to go in the half, the Ravens needed a spark going into the second half and that is exactly what they got. After a technical foul called on Cyclones guard Daniel Stein, the Ravens stormed back, going on a 9-0 run in under a minute to take a 35-32 lead with 1:37 left to go. This was the exact spark that the Ravens needed. The next possession though, Cyclones guard Colin Horsch connected on a three-pointer tying the game back up at 35. After trading baskets for the next minute, it was tied up at 37 going into the second half.

The second half started off on a good note for the Ravens, as Tremell Green (Jr./BOK/Philadelphia) connected on a lay-up to put Rosemont back on top 39-37. Little did anybody know though, but that would be the last lead the Ravens had for the rest of the night. After a 6-0 run for the Cyclones to put them up top 43-39 with 17:43 left in the game, they decided to go back to the press and it changed the face of the game. The Ravens had difficulty beating the press consistently all evening, as the lead would go up to 53-43 with 15:14 left in the game. Six minutes later, the lead would catapult to 72-53, as the game was spinning out of control for Rosemont. Centenary didn't let up with the press, and it led to 15 points off turnovers in the second half. The lead would get under double digits just once the rest of the game, as Centenary survived a late comeback effort by the Ravens to win it 88-78.

For the Ravens, it was senior Harrison Carcillo who led the way with 23 points. Justin Chaney added 16 to the Raven's cause. Also scoring in double-figures were Derrick Carter (Jr./Millville, NJ) and Mitch Carsillo (Jr./Collingswood, NJ). Harrison Carsillo just missed a double-double, leading the Ravens with nine rebounds.

The Cyclones placed five players in double-figures: Warren Murphy (27), Max Hughes (14), Colin Horsch (12), Gabe Cheavers (11) and Ludner Innocent (10). Andy Charles and Larry Lenahan each grabbed 10 boards for Centenary.

This was the second time the Cyclones beat the Ravens this season, and they came up big in a must-win situation.

Next, the Ravens turn their attention to Saturday, February 8, when they will travel to Immaculata University in an important CSAC game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00pm.