HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Graduate student Chris LaBelle and senior Billy Veras combined for 49 points to lead the Centenary University men's basketball team to a 75-70 win over Rutgers Newark University on Wednesday evening.

The two teams went back-and-forth early in the contest as a jumper from Dante Ralph at 14:23 gave Rutgers Newark a 13-9 advantage.

The Cyclones and Scarlet Raiders continued to battle on both ends of the court. Veras' triple at 12:53 pulled the Cyclones to within one, 15-14.

Trailing 17-14, the Cyclones scored 10 straight points and took a 24-17 lead. Veras tallied six points during that stretch.

Another three-pointer from Veras pushed the home team's advantage to 27-21 with 7:08 remaining until the break.

Rutgers Newark scored six straight and tied the game at 27-27.

The two teams battled on both ends before Centenary scored five of the last seven points in the period and took a 37-34 edge at the break.

Centenary scored 10 of the first 12 points in the second half and pushed its advantage to 47-36 with 17:09 to go in the game. LaBelle had a pair of baskets in that stretch.

A pair of free throws from Veras at 14:55 gave the Cyclones their largest lead of the game, 51-36.

A traditional three-point play from junior D'Angelo Blackmond at 9:57 put the home team ahead, 57-48.

Veras connected from behind the arc at 4:55 as Centenary took a 64-54 lead.

The two teams went back-and-forth before the Cyclones settled for a 75-70 win.

Centenary shot 44.2% from the field and was 21-for-27 from the foul line. Rutgers Newark had a 37.7 field goal percentage and was 16-for-19 from the foul line. The Scarlet Raiders had a 43-29 edge in the rebounding battle. The Cyclones were aided by scoring 22 points off 16 Rutgers Newark turnovers.

LaBelle poured in a game-high 25 points to go along with eight assists and six steals. Veras contributed 24 points and six rebounds. Blackmond had a team-best eight rebounds.

Rutgers Newark was led by Quincy Rutherford with 22 points.

Centenary is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 20 when it hosts Montclair State at 12 p.m. for it's annual Salute to Veterans game.