The Baruch College Bearcats lost a 55-53 contest to the Panthers from The College at Old Westbury on Saturday afternoon in the ARC Arena.

The first 20 minutes featured two different story lines.

The Bearcats first jumped out to a 20-6 first quarter advantage, but in the second the visiting Panthers outscored them 25-5 to take a 29-25 lead into the halftime break.

The Bearcats came out strong again to take back the lead after the third quarter at 45-40, but the two teams battled evenly in the fourth quarter until a late three by Tori Bellings with 57 seconds left pulled the Panthers ahead, 55-53, which would go on to be the final score.

The Bearcats did have a chance to tie it in the finals seconds, but the last shot rolled dramatically around the rim and fell out for the tough loss to an undefeated 7-0 team.

Shannon Barrett led the way this afternoon with 21 points (4-4 3fg), seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Daniela Arias had 15 points, seven assists and five steals. Melinda Spahiu finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Monique Joseph was tops for Old Westbury with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bearcats will next go on final exam/holiday break. They will play their next contest at home on Friday, December 29, at 2 p.m. against Smith College of Massachusetts.