Five different players scored in double-figures and Bryler Paige came off the bench to score a career-high 18 points to lead the Baruch College Bearcats to an 82-71 road victory on Monday night against the Cougars of Kean University in Union, New Jersey.

The defense came up big this evening by scoring 22 points off 26 turnovers and limited the Cougars to 39 percent shooting (22-for-57).

The visiting Bearcats also trailed in the first half and were behind 39-33 two minutes into the second half, but the offense came alive by shooting 53 percent (18-for-34) to rally for the 11 point victory against a team from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

Raymond De La Cruz (two blocks) and Jack Shanahan scored 14 points each, while Chimaechi Ekekeugbor had another solid game in his home state with 13 points and seven rebounds. Doyin Isaac had 11 points and Ryan Markoe narrowly missed double-figures with eight points, six assists and two steals.

Paige scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half, while Jason Pretto have five rebounds and three steals off the bench.

The Bearcats scored 29 baskets on 18 assists and wore down the Cougars in the final minutes for the double-digit win at Harwood Arena.

Tommy Soulias led the home team this evening with 23 points.

The Bearcats will return home to the ARC Arena on Wednesday night for an 8pm contest against the Maccabees of Yeshiva University.