The Baruch College Bearcats recorded a season-opening home win on Saturday afternoon by routing the Cougars of Kean University, 89-69.

The Bearcats shot a torrid 74.2 (23-for-31) percent in the first half, which included 7-of-10 from 3-point range, to defeat their non-conference opponent from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

Five players scored in double-figures led by rookie Chimaechi Ekekeugborwith 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field. He also added six rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes.

Raymond De La Cruzscored 15 points (3-5 3fg), Abraham Akanmuhad 12 points (5-8 fg), and Granville Gittens(7rbs, 4 asst, 2 blk) and Ryan Markoe(career-high 7 assists) each scored 10 points.

Edward Roscignototaled 10 assists in the big first half to finish with a career-high 12 on the afternoon. Jack Shanahanscored seven points off the bench by shooting 3-for-3 with three. Bryler Paigehad a solid debut with nine points on 3-for-5 from three.

The Bearcats led comfortably at halftime, 55-28, but found themselves tested in the second half with the Cougars starting on a 25-8 run to get as close as 63-53 with 10:01 left.

The Cougars kept battling and got as close as nine points on three different occasions, including 76-67 with 4:14 remaining, but the Bearcats took over with a game-busting 13-2 run to seal the victory.

Markoe started the run with a three, followed by a pair of free throws by Gittens and a jumper by Akanmu to lead 83-67 with 2:32 remaining. They continued the run with layups by Akanmu and Ekekeugbor for the 89-69 home victory.

The Bearcats finished shooting 64.3 percent (35-for-56) and shot 11-of-22 from three to start the season on a high note. The bench was a factor by out-scoring Kean's bench, 45-12.

Lincoln Holley led the Cougars from Union, New Jersey with 20 points and eight rebounds.

Baruch will return to action next Saturday, November 22, with a 2:00 pm non-conference contest at the Cyclones of Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey.