HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 25, 2012) – It is rare when the theme of the game is so apparent, and even rarer when the final score highlights, italicizes, and underlines that theme as if to ensure everyone knows exactly what took place. The final score of the Cyclones – Neumann Knights game did just that, as Centenary fell 85-82 in a hard fought contest.
In a game where all five Centenary starters scored in double-digits, led by senior Hannah Ally's (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) 20 points, it was the sharpshooting of Neumann that stole the show, leading to the victory Neumann shot 16-18 from the foul line, almost a 90 percent clip, yet it was the sniping of Erica Marvel and the Knights from behind the three point line that was the difference.
Neumann, who entered the game as the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) leader in three-pointers made and attempted, were 13-19 from long range, including a mindboggling 9-11 performance from Marvel from three point land. In the end, it was just one three-pointer that was the difference in the game.
The impressive shooting of Neumann overshadows, but does not take away from an outstanding effort by Centenary. After scoring the first four points of the game, Neumann found their rhythm and built a 13 point before Centenary fought back. The Cyclones headed into the locker room trailing at the half by eight, 43-35.
The Knights came out of the half and quickly regained an 11 point lead before Centenary stormed back, cutting the lead to 50-49 just over five minutes into the second half. Once again, Marvel and the Knights would move the lead back to ten, using two three-pointers. The Cyclones, determined to fight through what seemed to be supernatural accuracy by Neumann, cut the lead again to one on a basket from senior Bridget McCann (Keyport, N.J./Keyport).
On the following Neumann possession, Ally stole the ball and after an offensive rebound hit from inside the paint to give the Cyclones their first lead since the opening seconds. Ally would strike again on the next possession giving Centenary a three point lead at the ten minute mark of the second half.
The Knights would receive three more three point baskets, two from Marvel to regain the lead and push it to four before the Cyclones once again snapped back, tying the game at 68 with 6:59 to go in the game.
The game would remain close for the remainder, however it was one last three-pointer from Marvel with 5:03 on the clock that gave Neumann a five point lead. Neumann converted its free-throws preventing a Centenary comeback, and when the final seconds ticked off the clock, it was just one, three point basket that yielded the outcome.
The Cyclones finished with all five starters in double-digits, four of whom had 15 or more points. In addition to Ally's 20, senior Jen Vasta (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) tallied 16 points, while junior Danielle Trucksess (Collingswood, N.J./Collingswood) and freshman Andrea Innis (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) each scored 15, as McCann added ten in the contest.
With the loss, Centenary falls to 12-6 on the season and 6-4 in CSAC play. The Cyclones will host Cabrini College on Saturday, Jan. 28th at 1 pm as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer doubleheader.