Box Score Langhorne, PA- On a night where they never trailed; the Cairn Highlanders achieved their first conference win of the season with a stellar performance against the Cyclones of Centenary College.

Box Score

In a game that started slowly and rapidly increased in drama, the Highlanders were able to eke out a gritty victory over the Cyclones of Centenary College, 78-65. The first half was a defensive battle as both teams searched for openings, but were repeatedly denied. Juniors Omar Askia, Darnell Clowney, and Reuben Lacy combined to score 23 of the Highlanders 29 points in the first half and the Highlanders led by a score of 29-22 at the break.

The struggles to score were quickly forgotten though, as both teams came out of halftime on fire. The Cyclones blitzed the Highlanders right out of the gate going on a 10-5 run within the first three minutes of the second half. A jumper by Paul Jones brought the Cyclones within two points at the 17:02 mark, however, two points is as close as the Cyclones would get. Cairn freshman Obed Rivera simply would not allow the Highlanders to lose as the young guard came up with huge play after huge play in the second half. Whether it was a run-stopping three, a rebound in traffic, or a timely assist, Rivera provided the steady hand Cairn sorely needed. Aided by 16 second half points from shooting guard JD Zamroz, the Highlanders guard tandem guided the team to victory.

Cairn, while not making a single three-pointer in the first half (0-7), managed to shoot a sterling 71.4% (5-7) from the promised land in the second half. Additionally, the Highlanders shot 60% (13-22) from the floor, and 82% (18-22) from the charity stripe in the second half.

Despite the Cyclone's best efforts to retake the lead, Cairn would not falter as 15 straight free throws between Zamroz and Rivera in the last two minutes sealed the deal on the Highlanders victory.

The noteworthy performers for the Cairn University Highlanders on the night were:
Obed Rivera (19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists)
JD Zamroz (16 points)
Reuben Lacy (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks)
Omar Askia (13 points)

The Highlanders will seek another victory Wednesday night as they travel to conference rival Keystone College.