STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— A dominant rebounding effort by the College of Staten Island propelled the Dolphins to a 63-56 victory over the York College men's basketball team in the first CUNY Athletic Conference game of the year, Tuesday night. 

Staten Island had a pedestrian night on offense, shooting 38 percent from the field, 25 percent from three-point range and 60 percent from the charity stripe, while also finishing -9 in the turnover battle but they managed to overcome all that because of second-chance scoring opportunities. Staten Island won the rebounding battle in a big way, grabbing 49 rebounds and 18 on the offensive glass, compared to just 27 total rebounds for York. This led to 22 second-chance points for the Dolphins, compared to just four for York. 

CSI also managed to win despite using just seven players all game and getting no points from its bench.  Four of its starters reached double-figures in points, led by Jon Chadwick-Myers, who netted a game-high 21 points.  Matthew Van Mannen finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

York was once again led by Tony Vails, who also finished with 21 points, to go along with four assists. Thomas Hart added six points and seven boards off the bench.  Shamir Wilkinson chipped in eight points, five boards and three blocks.

The Cardinals jumped out the gate with an 8-0 run in the first 1:30 of the game.  But the Dolphins would gradually erase that lead and took a one-point advantage (14-13) following a Van Mannen lay-up with 12:25 to play in the half.  They would never relinquish the lead from there, closing the half strong to go up by eight points, 34-26.

CSI would take control of the game at the start of the second half, when they opened with a 9-2 run to push its advantage to 15 points with 16:54 to play.  York made a late push but could not get closer than seven points.

With the loss York drops to 1-4, 0-1 in the CUNYAC, while Staten Island improves to 2-1, 1-0 in CUNYAC play.  The Cardinals will return to action on Thursday for their home opener.  York will tip-off against Vaughn College at 7:00 p.m.