The Baruch College Bearcats lost to the Cougars of Averett University, 76-72, in an opening round game on Friday night of the Marlin Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, Virginia.

The team will return to action Saturday in the consolation game at 1:00 pm to play against the Milwaukee School of Engineering, who lost in the evening's other contest to the host and No. 2 ranked Virginia Wesleyan, 73-59.

The visiting Bearcats had four players again in double-figures with Chimaechi Ekekeugbor leading the way with 18 points and eight rebounds, followed by Jack Shanahan (15pts, 9rbs), Doyin Isaac (15pts, 7rbs, 2 asst), and Raymond De La Cruz (10pts, 3rbs, 4 asst).  

Ethan Hamlett almost had double-figures as he finished with nine points.
 
The Bearcats trailed late in the game 66-57 with 4:32 remaining, but went on a furious rally to get as close as 73-72 on a layup by Ekekeugbor with 11 seconds left.

They fouled Averett looking to get the ball back after free throws, but the Cougars connected in the final seconds to clinch the win.