Women's Basketball Rival Night: Centenary vs. Gwynedd Mercy (A Close Game)

Centenary University women’s basketball competed against Gwynedd Mercy University women’s basketball team in a contest at the John M. Reeves Recreational Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m.

It was a busy night. Centenary hosted two home basketball games against Gwynedd Mercy, the first for women’s basketball at 6 p.m., and the second for men’s basketball at 8 p.m.

Snacks and beverages were provided for both the attendants and the players. The first nightcap was a nail-biter to the end.

This was the first Atlantic East Conference basketball game played during Centenary’s Rival Night event. The boisterous cheering from Centenary added even more energy to the game. 

Although the Lady Cyclones did not take home a win, the team put in an admirable effort. 

“When we play together like a team, that’s what makes us a good team,” said Rose Haller, head coach of Centenary women’s basketball.

Throughout the game’s four quarters, the Cyclones faced a challenging match against the Griffins. In the first quarter, the Griffiths scored 17 points against the Cyclones, which only put up 13 points.

The tables quickly turned during the second quarter when Centenary added 22 points, allowing them to earn 35 points going into the half. Gwynedd Mercy collected 14 points, adding 31 points to their total.

After the second quarter, the basketball game became an intense tug-of-war. By the end of the third quarter, Gwynedd Mercy captured the lead by adding 17 points while Centenary collected 10 points.

After the third quarter, Centenary had 45 tally points in comparison to Gwynedd Mercy’s record of 48. If the Cyclones did not step up their A-game against the Gwynedd Mercy Griffins, their chance of winning could be in jeopardy.

In the fourth quarter, the Cyclones stepped up against their rival again with 19 points. Although the Griffins scored 18 points, the Cyclones came up short in the final seconds of the game.

The Cyclones previously played against the Lady Griffins at Gwynedd Mercy University on Jan. 10, 2024. By the end of that game, the Cyclones won 85-77 in overtime.

The final home women’s basketball game, which they won 84-74, took place against Marywood University on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. The Cyclones played against the Pacers, looking to avenge their 52-60 loss on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

“We have one main goal every day,” noted Haller, “That’s to work as hard as we can.”

Centenary’s women now have a record of 15-7.

Don’t let this loss define who you are, Lady Cyclones!