Hackettstown, N.J. — Marywood University women's basketball team had a hard fought battle with the Centenary Cyclones Monday night in the opening round of the Atlantic East Conference tournament. Trailing in the first three quarters, some fourth quarter magic propelled the Pacers to a 77-73 victory. 

The Pacers will continue Atlantic East tournament play, facing No. 1 Immaculata on Wednesday. The time is to be determined.

It is Marywood's first playoff victory since defeating Immaculata University 79-77 in double overtime during the 2019-20 season. 

The Pacers went on to score 26 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Cyclones. 

After a jumper from Rachel McDonald, Finley Bittenbender tied it up with a three to match Centenary's 71 points. 

Megan Cavoli was fouled hitting both free throws to give the Pacers a 73-71 lead. 

Centenary went for the lead with just a minute left of play and missed the three point attempt. There was a jump ball called under the basket and the steal was credited to Kendel Card, giving Marywood a crucial possession. 

In the last three minutes of the game, Marywood went on a 12-2 run. 

McDonald led the Pacers offense, as the senior posted a career-high 27 points. McDonald also added three assists. 

Cavoli had 16 points in the contest. 

The Pacers shot 25-42 (58.1 percent) in total, 3-6 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc, and 24-29 (82.8 percent) from the charity stripe. 

Centenary did not fare as well, going 38.9 percent on field goals, 30.8 percent from three, and 59.1 percent from the free throw line. 

Olivia Ciullo tallied a team leading eight boards, reaching the 500 career rebound mark in a Marywood uniform. 

Centenary out-rebounded the Pacers, 39-30. 

Alli Griscavage had two blocks for the Pacers while Faith Kendricks and Stephanie Klemick each had one.

Klemick's block put her at the top of the Marywood women's basketball record book for most blocks in a career (102).