The Baruch College Bearcats fell in the semifinal round of the 2022 CUNYAC Championship Tournament after a tough 66-56 loss at John Jay College on Tuesday night.

The Bearcats fell behind 14-5 after the first period and trailed 32-16 during the second before quickly scoring the last seven points to enter the break down 32-23.

The host Bloodhounds took back control during the third period leading by as much 17 points (43-26) and later managed to build their advantage up to 24 (55-31) with 7:02 left.

The Bearcats, who were playing in their first semifinal since 2015, did not give up and and went on an impressive quick rally hitting seven 3-pointers over the course of the next five minutes to stun John Jay to get as close as 57-53 with 2:09 left.

Valsenia Michie and Paige Traynor each had a pair of threes in the impressive 20-2 run.   

The Bloodhounds would score the next four points to increase their lead to 61-53 and managed to hold on for the home win as time ran out.

Mia Castillo led the visiting Bearcats with 15 points. Valsenia Michie had 13 points, while Melinda Spahiu finished a brilliant career with 14 rebounds, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Elissa Leung also dished out seven assists and two steals. 

Ashley Zeolla led the host Bloodhounds with 20 points and 15 rebounds.