The Baruch College Bearcats lost a three-point road contest to the Cyclones of Centenary College, 65-62, on Saturday afternoon in Hackettstown, New Jersey.
The Bearcats trailed 59-56 with 3:10 left, but rookie Bryler Paigeconnected on a three to tie the contest.
Granville Gittenswould hit a free throw on the team's next trip down court to go up by one (60-59), but Rashan Spencer of the Cyclones responded with a three to take over the lead at 62-60 with 1:08 remaining.
The visiting Bearcats struck back with rookie Chimaechi Ekekeugbornailing a jumper to tie the contest, but the Cyclones followed with one-of-two free throws to lead again by one point (63-62).
The Cyclones got the ball back and Spencer scored two more of his game-high 15 points with eight seconds left to build the score to 65-62.
Their defense kept the Bearcats from connecting on the tying shot to record their first victory in four games this season. The Bearcats drop to 1-1 on the young season.
Raymond De La Cruzled the way with a season-high 18 points, while Ekekeugbor, the CUNYAC Rookie of the Week, was pivotal again with 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Abraham Akanmuhad a solid all-around-effort with 10 rebounds, five assists and six points.
The Cyclones from the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) hit 9-of-15 from three-point range.
Baruch will return to action on Thanksgiving Weekend, Saturday, November 29, with a home contest in the ARC Arena against FDU-Florham. Please note this contest will start at the updated time of 4:00 pm.