HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Neumann University Men's Basketball team were handed an 86-82 loss against Centenary University in an Atlantic East Conference game on Wednesday night.
 
Centenary had a strong start as they took a 15-9 lead after 5:14 of play. Over the next 1:12, Neumann went on a six point run to tie the game. Both teams traded the lead over the next minutes but with 8:06 left in the half, the Knights went on a 9-1 run for a 32-26 lead with 5:17 remaining. They went on to lead by as many as nine as they went into halftime with a 39-32 advantage.
 
Neumann maintained the lead throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half but with 9:34 left, the Cyclones scored nine straight points to take a 71-69 lead. The Knights got back ahead with a quick 5-0 stretch but with 4:17 left, Centenary put up nine of the next 11 points over the next two minutes for an 82-77 lead. Neumann fought right back to tie the game at 82 but the Cyclones hit a layup with six seconds left to take the lead for good.
 
DJ Earl led the Knights with 28 points, tying his season high. TJ Lewis added 21 while Mike Smith, III notched 12. Donte Dupriest was strong on the boards with 16 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
 
Neumann (16-6, 7-2 Atlantic East) will be back on the floor on Saturday afternoon for senior day and another Atlantic East Conference match-up, this time against Pratt Institute. The opening tip at the Mirenda Center is scheduled for 1:00 PM.