The fifth-seeded Baruch College Bearcats defeated the eighth-seeded Hawks of Hunter College, 68-61, in a CUNYAC Tournament first round contest on Thursday night in the ARC Arena.
With the victory, the Bearcats advance to the second round on Saturday night for a 6 p.m. contest at the Cougars of Medgar Evers College. Hunter finishes their season with a 3-23 record.
"Any time you can get a win at this time of year, it's a good thing," said Head Coach John Alesi. "We controlled the game early, hung on late. Survive and advance at this time of year."
The Bearcats scored 24 points off 20 turnovers by the Hawks and led from start to finish in the home win. They also ended the half with an 8-0 run to lead comfortably 37-23 at halftime.
The Hawks rallied in the second half and got as close as 42-40 on a layup by Matt Franks with 12:55 left, but the Bearcats responded with a three by Ryan Markoe, along with back-to-back layups from Doyin Isaac, to build the advantage back up to 49-40.
The Hawks kept things interesting late by cutting the score to 63-59 with 1:18 left, but they would not get any closer to suffer the loss.
Ryan Markoe tied a career-high with 23 points (6-8 3fg) and Isaac finished with 16 points in the postseason win.
Brian Kruger led the visiting Hawks with 21 points.
"Medgar Evers is playing some of the best basketball in the conference," said Alesi about Saturday night. "We know the challenges ahead of us, it's a team we haven't had a lot of success against this year. Prepare tomorrow and come out ready to go on Saturday."
CUNYAC CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
(All information as of 10:00pm)Thursday, February 18th - Men's
First Round (Higher Seed)
#7 York defeated #6 CCNY, 74-71
#5 Baruch defeated #8 Hunter, 68-61
Saturday, February 20th – Men's Second Round (Higher Seed)
#3 Brooklyn vs. #7 York
#4 Medgar Evers vs. #5 Baruch 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23rd – Men's Semifinals at CCNY
6 p.m. #1 Lehman vs. #4/#5/#8
8 p.m #2 Staten Island vs. #3/#6/#7
Wednesday, February 24th – Women's Semifinals at CCNY
6 p.m. #1 Lehman vs. #4/#5/#8
8 p.m. #2 Brooklyn vs. #3/#6/#7
Friday, February 26th– Women's & Men's Championship at CCNY
8:30 p.m. Men's Championship