Jamaica, NY --- The backcourt tandem of juniors Tyshawn Russell and Amil John combined for 55 points as the Brooklyn College Men's Basketball team extended its winning streak to three games, edging the Cardinals of York College by a final score of 75-71 in a CUNY Athletic Conference South Division matchup tonight. With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 6-5 overall on the season and 2-1 in the CUNYAC, while the Cardinals fall to 3-10 overall and 1-2 in league play.

Russell, a Jamaica, NY native, shined in his hometown finishing the game with a game-high 31 points for the Bulldogs on 10-for-22 shooting from the field, including drilling 4-for-9 from beyond the arc, while also going 7-for-10 from the free throw line. Russell also recorded a game-best seven steals on the night. John poured in 24 points, to go along with three assists and four steals.

The Cardinals also received much of their offense from two players, as reigning All-American Marcel Esonwune and Shamir Wilkinson combined for 52 points and 27 rebounds. Esonwune finished the night with a game-high 31 points and 17 rebounds for the double-double, while Wilkinson also recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite allowing York to shoot 57.7% (30-for-52) from the field, the Bulldogs were able to come out on top by forcing the Cardinals into 31 turnovers, 17 of which came via steal, which led to 30 points for the visiting Bulldogs. Brooklyn was also dominated on the glass 45-29, however, the Bulldogs held the edge in offensive rebounding, 18-12, which led to 16 second chance points for Brooklyn.

The game featured a tight contest throughout with eight ties and nine lead changes. Down by one, 42-41, with 17:05 left in the game, the Cardinals used a 12-2 run to take the largest lead of the game by either team, 53-44 with 12:01 remaining until the final buzzer. The Bulldogs would not be denied the victory in the end, however, as Brooklyn went on a 16-6 run over the next five minutes to regain the lead for good. Russell helped key the run scoring eight of the 16 points. The Bulldogs would hold off the Cardinals over the remaining seven minutes hitting their free throws down the stretch to come away with the four point victory, 75-71.

Brooklyn returns to action this Saturday, December 8th, as the Bulldogs will host the Dolphins of the College of Staten Island in another CUNYAC South Division battle. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm at the West Quad Center Gymnasium.