The Baruch Bearcats ended a three-game losing streak and stopped William Paterson's eight-game winning streak by recording an 85-81 non-conference home victory on Monday night in the ARC Arena.

With the result, the Bearcats improve to 9-8 overall, while the visiting Pioneers drop to 11-5.

The Bearcats shot 8-of-17 from three-point range to lead throughout the evening against their opponents from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

The Pioneers shot 48 percent (29-60) overall and won the rebounding battle with a 37-24 margin. They also easily led in bench scoring (28-13), but could not overcome the fast start by the Bearcats who shot 52 percent  (11-21) from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range in the first half.

During the second half, the Bearcats built up a 16 point (61-45) advantage with 11:13 remaining, but the visiting Pioneers went on a big rally by scoring 36 of the next 56 points to tie the contest at 81-all with just 11 seconds left on a three-pointer by Rick DeStefano.

The Bearcats never lost their composure and on their next possession Chris Beauchamp was fouled with five seconds remaining. He connected on both free throws for an 83-81 lead.

William Paterson tried to inbound the ball, but the Baruch defense stepped up to force a five-second violation. Lionel Hilaire was quickly fouled as Baruch took possession and he connected on two free throws to seal the 85-81 victory.

Tammer Farid led the Bearcats with a season-high 24 points (8-14 fg), while Hilaire finished with 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. Chris Beauchamp (13 points) and Sean Loftus (10 points) also reached double-digit scoring this evening.

Mickey Abbatiello scored nine points (2-2 fg) and collected two steals in 12 minutes off the bench.  
Gabriel Paul led the Pioneers with 18 points (10-11 FT), while Nick Allan scored 17 points and dished out six assists. 

The men's basketball team will return to action on Wednesday, January 19, with a 7:00 pm CUNYAC contest at the New York City College of Technology.