New York, NY – The CCNY men’s basketball team were unable to overcome a strong offensive performance by the Baruch Bearcats in a CUNY Athletic Conference matchup Wednesday night at Baruch’s ARC Arena, a 86-68 defeat.
The Beavers 6-8 (2-3 CUNYAC) traded baskets with the Bearcats during the game’s first 5 minutes. However, the Bearcats would go on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 19-10, with 10 minutes to go in the half. That spurt gave Baruch all the separation they would need in the half as both teams continued to trade baskets. The Bearcats led at the half, 41-30.
The Beavers crept back in it early in the second half, 46-41, with 15 minutes to go. Both teams played even for most of the second half until the 6:22 mark, with the Bearcats leading 62-56. Baruch went on a 17-3 run over the next 4 minutes to attain their largest lead of the second half, 79-59, and 2:14 left on the clock. That lead proved too much for the Beavers to overcome, as the Bearcats went on to win the game, 86-68.
Three players finished with double digits for City College. Ben Washington (Brooklyn, NY), Matas Rascius (Queens, NY), and Jordan Jackson (West Hempstead, NY) finished with 22, 19 and 11 points respectively. Freshman Center Rascius had his best collegiate game, finishing with a double-double as he also grabbed 12 rebounds.
Baruch shot well for the game as they shot 47.5% on the night, including 50% from 3-point range. Lionel Hilaire (Far Rockaway, NY) led his team with a game-high 25 points. Twelve of his points came from 3-point range, making 4 of 5 from behind the arc.
CCNY will resume their conference schedule Saturday afternoon with a 3:30 pm in another CUNYAC contest against the College of Staten Island at the CSI Sports Complex.