The Baruch College Bearcats won a defensive battle, 51-44, against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Thursday night at Kings Point on Long Island.

The turning point of the game took place in the final seven minutes.

The Bearcats trailed 37-36 but went on a game-busting 15-0 run to lead 51-37 with 1:12 remaining. That was enough to record their second straight win.

The Bearcats scored 18 points off 14 turnovers by the Mariners and won the rebounding battle, 37-33.

Adnan Bajrami was tops with a double-double of 17 points (6-11 fg), 10 rebounds and chipped in four assists.

Sean Donnellan had nine points, while Ryan Graziano and Allen Villar (two blocks) scored seven points each in the low-scoring contest. 

Defense was a factor again as the Mariners were limited to 28 percent shooting (7-for-25) in the second half and 30 percent (16-for-53) overall in the non-conference contest.

Blaine McDonough (13 rebounds) and Connor Green led the home team with 12 points each.