The Baruch College Bearcats lost 80-68 to #1-ranked FDU-Florham in a non-conference contest played on Tuesday night in the ARC Arena.

The Bearcats had their moments and were competitive against the defending national champions, but in the end, they just could not put together enough runs to avert the home loss.

The visiting Devils built an early nine point advantage (15-6), but the Bearcats rallied to tie the contest at 22 on a three by Veronica Ganzi.

They kept the momentum on their side and led by three points (29-26) with 3:36 to go in the first half, but the Devils finished the half with a quick 14-3 run for the 40-32 lead into the break.

Shalette Brown had a big first half for the Devils (4-0) with a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds.

During the second half, the Devils controlled the action and led by as many as 11 points, but the Bearcats slowly chipped away until a Francess Henrydriving layup cut the score to 69-66 with 5:01 remaining to the delight of the home crowd.

Unfortunately, the Devils took control down the stretch and managed to build the lead back to double-digits to record the victory.

Ganzi led the Bearcats this evening with a career-high 20 points. Iyana Abramshad another all-round effort with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

Sheridan Taylorhad her third double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Vanessa Santanahad a solid game off the bench with six points, three rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes.

Malika Rose Abdusalaamalso contributed off the bench with five points, including a big three-point play midway through the second half.

Brown finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds and four steals for the Devils. Kyra Dayon scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Overall, Brown and Dayon combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds.

Baruch will next begin conference play on Friday, December 5, with a 5:30 pm road contest at rival Hunter College.