The Baruch College Bearcats held off a late rally by the Lions from Penn State-Altoona to record an 87-79 non-conference home win on Monday night in the ARC Arena.

The Bearcats came out firing on all cylinders to build up a 41-21 lead with five minutes left in the first half. They finished shooting 58 percent (19-for-33) to enter the break up by 19 points (46-27).

The visiting Lions from the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) came back strong at the start of the second half and scored 22 of the first 31 points to get as close as 53-49 with 15 minutes left.

The Bearcats managed to build the lead back to double-digits, but the Lions again rallied to cut the deficit to 78-73 on a jumper by Ishimeal Nance.

The Lions appeared to have the momentum, but a game-busting three by William Sixsmith for an 81-73 advantage with 1:41 left sealed the win in the Bearcats' final non-conference game of the regular season.

Chimaechi Ekekeugbor led again with his 10th double-double of the season of 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Overall, the Bearcats had five players in double-figure scoring with William Sixsmith (15pts), Jack Sixsmith (career-high 14pts), Bryler Paige (14pts), and Allen Villar all contributing to end Penn State-Altoona's five-game winning streak.

Nance led the visitors with a game-high 23 points and seven steals.

The Bearcats will continue their homestand on Wednesday, January 25, with a 7:30pm CUNYAC showdown against the College of Staten Island.