ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team defeated Immaculata University 51-48 on Thursday evening in a battle for the top spot in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) standings.

James Butler led the Knights with 16 points. Kevin Green added 11. Andrew Moye pulled down 12 boards.

Immaculata came out of gate on fire, scoring 11 of the first 13 points. Neumann started to chip its way back into the game and tied the game at 21 on a Green three-pointer with four minutes left in the first. Just three points were scored in the next four minutes, all on free throws, and the Mighty Macs held a 23-22 lead at the half.

Moye opened the second half with a layup for give the Knights their first lead of the game. There were five lead changes and three tie scored during the second 20 minutes. The biggest lead of the half was six, 41-35 Immaculata, with 7:45 on the clock. With a 7-2 run, Neumann was able to tie the game.

The game remained knotted with 3:25 left in regulation, 47-47. The Mighty Macs hit 1-of-2 from the line to take a one point lead. Butler connected on a layup to take back the lead, 49-48, with 1:53 remaining. Both teams missed shots in the final two minutes. Green was fouled on a rebound with seven seconds left and made both free throws for a three point advantage. Butler sealed the win with a steal with one tick remaining.

Neumann (10-6, 7-2 CSAC) hosts Centenary on Saturday afternoon in conference action. Tip-off is at 3:30 PM.