The Baruch College Bearcats needed a big second half run to defeat the Maccabees of Yeshiva University, 76-63, in a non-conference game played on Thursday night in the ARC Arena.

The game began in the best possible way with hot shooting leading the Bearcats to a 23-6 lead with 11:04 remaining in the first half.

Yeshiva slowly climbed back to make the game competitive by connecting on 14-of-15 free throws to cut the score at halftime to 42-36.

The two teams battled as Yeshiva would get as close as 51-50 on a pair of free throws by Dovie Hoffman with 10:38 left, but the Bearcats exploded over the next six minutes with a game-busting 18-4 run to build the lead up to 69-54 with 4:15 left.

Yeshiva (0-4) never recovered as the Bearcats (4-1) went on to record their fourth victory in five games this season.

Joshua Vitalled the winning effort with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals. Franklin Garcia(three assists) and Jason Berliner(5-8 fg) scored 12 points each.

Granville Gittenscontributed nine points off the bench. Matt Feldmanhad six assists and four steals.

The Bearcats scored 31 points off 21 turnovers by the Maccabees from the Skyline Conference.  The bench was also important again with 30 total points.

Hoffman led three players in double-figures for the visitors with 18 points and seven rebounds.

The Bearcats will resume their CUNYAC schedule on Saturday, December 1, with a trip uptown to play the Bloodhounds of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Tip off at the Doghouse is scheduled for 6:00 pm.