The DeSales University Bulldogs defeated Baruch, 78-71, in a non-conference game played on Sunday afternoon in Center Valley, Pennsylvania.

Junior Kirby Lutz (Easton, PA/Pen Argyl) scored a career-high 28 points (9-12 FG), 20 in the second-half, to lead the Bulldogs (6-5) to victory.

The home side shot 52 percent (25-48), including 9-of-14 from three-point range.

The game started slow for the Bearcats (7-5), who fell behind 22-4, but a late surge before the break cut the deficit to 38-32.

The Bearcats worked hard after the break to cut the lead to just two, 42-40, but Lutz started a run to build the advantage back up to 50-42.

Jessenia Marrero (Flushing, NY/Francis Lewis) then went on a hot streak, connecting on three 3-pointers and three foul shots to pull ahead 65-64 with 4:12 left.

The Bulldogs called timeout and immediately answered with a 7-0 run that started with a Lutz lay-up to go ahead 71-65 with 2:01 remaining.  Lutz eventually hit 5-of-8 free throws the rest of the way to help DeSales escape with a 78-71 win.

Chiresse Paradise (Chicago, IL/Rich Central) led the way for the Bearcats with 23 points, while Marrero finished with 17 points. Ally Stamatiades (Astoria, NY/W.C. Bryant) contributed 15 points and Racquel Reid (Bronx, NY/Washington Irving) had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Kim Rarick (Ringtown, PA/North Schuylkill) had a good game for the Bulldogs with 17 points, five assists, and six steals.

Baruch will return to action this upcoming Wednesday with a conference road game at York College. Tip off in Jamaica, Queens is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.