The Baruch College Bearcats defeated the Bloodhounds of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 59-55, in an exciting CUNYAC contest on Sunday afternoon in the ARC Arena.

The result helps the Bearcats take over second place in the CUNYAC standings as the conference schedule reaches the midway point.

The Bearcats trailed in the fourth quarter 49-45 with 5:27 left, but managed to rally by scoring 10 straight points to lead 55-49.

The Bloodhounds scored the next four points to cut the score to 55-53 with 27 seconds remaining.

Melinda Spahiu then made one of two free throws for a 56-53 score, but a Bearcat foul enabled the Bloodhounds on two free throws by Bobbi Green to cut the score back to one point again (56-55).

Mia Castillo was fouled and she hit one of two free throws to take the lead up to two points (57-55).

The Bloodhounds inbounded the ball seeking to tie or go ahead with a three in their last possession, but Castillo stole a pass and was fouled. She connected on both free throws to seal the four-point home win.

Despite playing in foul trouble, Spahiu finished with 18 points and six steals. Castillo had a double-double with 17 points, eleven rebounds, five blocks and four steals.

Milly Ye scored 12 points and Elissa Leung had 10 points, including a big offensive rebound with 49 seconds left.

Ashley Zeolla led the visitors from uptown with 18 points.