Box score

Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's basketball team showed a quick, up-tempo style of play in its home opener but dropped a 76-71 decision to Centenary College.

Senior Steve Siracusa (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) set career-highs in points with 22 and rebounds with 16, but the Cyclones (1-1) hit 10-of-17 shots (58 percent) from behind the arc to earn their first win of the season.

The first half was comparable to a track meet as both teams came out ablaze for the first 20 minutes. Centenary senior Will Atkinson (Old Bridge, NJ/Raritan) was a perfect 3-of-3 on three-point shots in the opening period as the Cyclones held a 40-38 advantage at the half.

Siracusa showcased a strong, inside presence in the second half, converting twice on three-point plays after being fouled on baskets. He went to the line nine times and scored 16 of his game-high 22 points after the intermission. He converted a pair of free throws with 13:24 remaining to give the Lions (0-2) their first lead of the half at 50-48.

The game went back and forth over the next 10 minutes. A layup by Pete Kelly (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton North) gave TCNJ a 56-52 lead at the 8:40 mark, but six straight Cyclone points gave them a them a two point lead with six minutes remaining.

The Lions responded with a bucket from Siracusa, a three-pointer from Donovan Smalls (Union, NJ/Union), and a tip-in from Daniel Balevski (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor South) giving them the advantage at 63-61 with 5:04 to play.

Down 68-67 with 2:21 to play, Centenary's Ludner Innocent (Asbury Park, NJ/Academy Charter) found Rob Urie (Ortley Beach, NJ/Toms River East) and the senior drained a three-pointer to give the Cyclones a lead they would not relinquish.

They stretched the lead to 74-69 before Siracua hit a short jumper to pull within three with 25.6 seconds to play. Lions guard Brandon Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) stole a long pass, but Small's three-point attempt bounced off the rim and Centenary sealed the game with a pair of free throws.

Smalls finished with 10 points and three assists, while sophomore Brian Kelly (Clark, NJ/Lawrenceville Prep) had six points and five points.

Atkinson led the Cyclones in scoring with 19 points, while Jakub Halicki (Pocono Summit, PA/Pocono Mountain East) chipped in with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lions return to the floor on Tuesday, November 23 at Penn State Brandywine.