The Baruch College Bearcats overcame a 20 point second-half deficit to tie the contest late, but the exciting rally fell just short in a heart-breaking 64-62 loss to the Dolphins from the College of Staten Island on Saturday afternoon in the ARC Arena on Alumni Day.

The visiting Dolphins controlled the action in the first 26 minutes leading 49-30 with 13:35 left, but the Bearcats started a furious rally by scoring 28 of the next 37 points to tie the contest at 53 on a three by Andre Harris with 1:51 remaining.

The Dolphins responded with a three by Raymond Savage, but Chimaechi Ekekeugbor hit two free throws with 42 seconds left to get as close as 61-60.

The two teams each scored on their next possession for a 63-62 score.

Edin Bracic then hit one of two free throws for 64-62 score to give the Bearcats the final possession with eight seconds left, but the last shot fell short to suffer the home loss.

The Dolphins started strong by shooting a torrid 58 percent in the first half, which included 5-of-10 from three.

The Bearcats started slow, but shot 6-of-12 from three during the second half to jump back into the contest.

Ekekeugbor led the Bearcats this afternoon with his ninth double-double of the season of 17 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.   

Robert Rossiter (6-8 fg) and Christian Taylor had 14 points each for the visitors, who are coached by former Bearcat assistant T.J. Tibbs.

Prior to the game, the annual men's basketball alumni game took place as part of Baruch Student-Athlete Alumni Day. The team also honored Ekekeugbor and his family by giving him an honorary milestone ball to recognize breaking the team's all-time scoring record on November 25, 2017.

Today's basketball doubleheader was broadcast as part of the CUNYAC Game of the Week.