New York, NY- The Cougars started the game with 5 guys (mandatory # to start a basketball game). Six players were on the roster but #5 James Gilmore still not 100% to go yet, so Coach Pursoo had no choice but to play only 5 athletes. MEC put up an amazing fight and in the end lost 64-60. The loss dropped the Cougars to 10-8 Overall and 1-4 CUNYAC while the Hawks improved to 8-8 Overall and 3-2 CUNYAC.

The storyline going into the game was, (1) Junior Jovan Deare was 6pts away from 1,000pts and (2) with only 5 players, will MEC actually beat Hunter who has a full squad? MEC opened the game with the jumper from Jovan Deare, now 4pts away. Hunter would go on a 4-0 run before the Cougars tied the score at 4. Winston Douglas would nail a 3pt shot, regaining the lead to MEC. Hunter would tie the game and hold the lead until the 6:33 mark, when Jovan Deare made a free throw, giving him 1,000pts for his career. The Cougars would take the lead and go up by 6pt at one point. Hunter quickly got the lead back, from a 3pt shot by Mark Courtien making the score 23-22. The Cougars took the lead back once again and led going into halftime. MEC led at the break 28-23, and the score was tied four times.

The 2nd half started off shot for shot. Hunter regained the lead with 17:43 to go and led till the 10:49 mark. Kayode Prime of MEC, converted on a crucial 3pt shot at the time, making the score even at 44. MEC took the lead on a pair of free throws from Jovan Deare (7:33 left), and led all the way till 1 minute to go. With 2:17 to go, Winston Douglas committed his 5th foul, which meant the Cougars had to finish the game with 4 players. Hunter finished the game with a 5-1 run. With 9.3 left on the clock, Val Williams committed a hard foul. The ref ejected him from the game and gave him a Flagrant Technical Foul 2. MEC finished the game with 3 players. Hunter won 64-60. In the final minute, the Cougars committed 2 really bad turnovers.

Head Coach Chris Pursoo had some thoughts about the game. "I was proud of my guys fight, character, and hardwork. I'm pissed we blew this game the way we did. It shows that we have to work harder and play each minute clean and smart. This loss I believe will make my team stronger in the long run".

MEC in the loss,was led by Jovan Deare. Deare scored 26pts (now 1,020pts). He grabbed a rebound and tallied 4 assists, and 6 steals. Winston Douglas recorded his 12th double double of the season, scoring 12pts, grabbed 13 rebounds, and recorded 4 steals. Brian Johnson added 10pts.

Hunter was led from Mark Courtien who scored 20pts, Anthony Uter tallying 19pts, and Jeffrey Daza added 12pts.

MEC will be back in action on Friday January 20, 2012 when they take on City College at MEC. Prior to the game, the 2010-11 CUNYAC Champs MEC Cougars Men's Basketball team, will receive their recognition from the conference and obtain a ring for each of them. Game time is 8pm.