The men's basketball team defeated the Hunter College Hawks, 86-72, in a Friday night CUNYAC showdown in the ARC Arena.

The victory gives Baruch a 9-8 overall record and 5-3 within the conference.

The Bearcats jumped out to an eight-point lead (14-6) just six minutes into the affair on a Jack Shanahanlay-up. Hunter battled its way back to tie it at 24, and then an Alex Mattina three-pointer right in front of the Bearcat bench put the Hawks ahead entering the intermission, 36-34.

Coming out of the break, the first six minutes saw just as many lead changes. The Bearcats then went on a 16-3 run to separate themselves from their opposition, taking a 70-55 lead at the 7:24 mark. William Sixsmith's three 3-pointers provided a spark off the bench that ultimately put the momentum back in Baruch's favor.

Forward Chimaechi Ekekeugborhad the game-high in points and rebounds, 27 and 15 respectively.  The sophomore shot a solid 52.2% from the floor (12-for-23), including a pair from downtown.

The newest member of Baruch's 1,000 Point Club, Raymond De La Cruz, turned in 15 points; three of his five made field goals coming from beyond the arc.

Senior point guard Edward Roscignofacilitated the Bearcats offense brilliantly, notching a game-high 11 assists (10 in first half).

Hunter had three players in double-figures as well, including Gerard Carty's 19, Alex Mattina's 18 and Brian Kruger's 15. Carty and Mattina were both perfect from the charity stripe.

Baruch owned the points in the paint margin, 46-24, as well as points off turnovers, 32-15. The second half offensive barrage carried the Bearcats above .500 for the season.

The men's basketball team will return to action on Wednesday, January 28, with an 8 p.m. CUNYAC contest at York College in Jamaica, New York.