HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Neumann University men's basketball team managed to stave off Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) foes Centenary College last second heroics winning 76-74 Saturday afternoon.

As good teams look for quick responses from tough loses, the Knights looked to erase the memory of the loss to Widener University. The score would be irrelevant as long as a win was secured and that's what the Knights served up, a big win against Centenary.

Mike Walukiewicz helped the Knights get off to an early 10 point lead 10-0, with two three pointers. The Knights were fantastic in the first half hitting 72% from three point range and 54% from the field. The Cyclones cut the score to three points, 13-10, with 13 minutes remaining in the first half, but Brendan Harrington responded immediately with a layup to extend the lead to five points. Twelve of the first 16 points were scored off of layups for both teams and protecting the rim was a struggle early on. The Knights doubled their lead, teetering the 10 point margin for the bulk of the first half. The Knights convened at the intermission with a 47-36 lead.

The Cyclones shaved the Knights lead to four, 54-50, with 13:30 remaining in the second half. Dom Gibson weighed and measured his three-point toss perfectly, extending the lead to seven points with 12 minutes remaining in the game. Continuing with the seven point lead with 3:30 left, the Cyclones tested Neumann's mental fortitude by sinking a three pointer with two minutes remaining and Warren Murphy cut the lead to two points with 1:10 left in the game.

The Knights found themselves at the charity stripe numerous times to pad the lead. Mark Blount stepped up and hit one-of-two, increasing the lead to three. Cyclones cut it to one point, hitting a runner with less than 10 seconds remaining. Immediately, Walukiewicz was fouled and he drained one of two from the free throw line to see the Knights lead 76-74. Cyclones would get a last look, as they shot a three pointer and missed at the buzzer.

Walukiewicz scored a team high 22 points and Gerald Bryant scored 12 points in the much needed win. The Cyclones out-rebounded the Knights 45-38 on the afternoon, but it was the Knights that would grind out the victory.

"The game became too close for comfort, but you're going to get momentum swings in basketball," said Coach Stanziano. "We still are trying how to figure how to win night in and out, consistency of play is what we strive to do, but today we enjoy the positive result."

The Knights (6-7) are back in CSAC action January 9th traveling to Rosemont College for an 8 p.m. tipoff.