HACKETTSTOWN, NJ- After a heart-wrenching loss to Keystone College earlier this week, the Highlanders sought a bounce back victory against CSAC opponent Centenary University this afternoon; winning a hard-fought contest by a final score of 78-63.
 
The Highlanders have found their identity over the course of the season, relying on hard-nosed defense and patient offense to wear down their opponents over the course of the game.  Additionally, the Highlanders have seen great improvements from their underclassmen, as many have shown a proclivity for stepping up when their number is called.
 
The Highlanders go as Malachi Hall goes and Hall played his usual efficient, excellent brand of basketball this afternoon, taking the reins against the Cyclone press, and finding teammates to keep Cairn ahead nearly the entire first half. Hall scored 7 of the Highlanders final 9 points in the half, in addition to assisting on two of Josh Decker's three three pointers. Hall and Decker each tallied 9 points in the first half, and the rest of the Highlanders balanced attack paired up to give Cairn a 37-32 lead at the half.
 
In the opening minutes of the second half the Cyclones briefly found their groove from deep, tying the game up at 47 apiece with 14 minutes to go. On the other hand, Cairn used their inside play to pull ahead as both Justin Dean and Antoine Nunnally played stellar second halves, with Nunnally scoring all 12 of his points and Dean chipping in with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and a surprisingly deft touch against the Centenary press. The game stayed close over most of the second half until Dean hit a free throw, and Eric Jacobs, who provided a huge push with his shooting, splashed his second three of the afternoon to stretch the Highlanders lead to an insurmountable 6 point lead. Cairn would coast over the rest of the half, completing their fifth win of the season 78-63.
 
The Highlanders shot a truly outstanding 60% from the field and 40% from three, as no player missed more than four shots the entire game. Hall finished with 19 points on 7-9 shooting, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, Nunnally notched 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Dean made his mark with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
 
Cairn has a big week with 3 CSAC contests, beginning on Tuesday night when they host Immaculata University at 8:00 PM.