The Bulldogs from DeSales University withstood a late rally to pick up a 76-74 victory against the Bearcats in a non-conference women's basketball game played on Sunday afternoon at the ARC Arena .
Baruch (8-6, 4-0 CUNYAC) had an opportunity to tie the game with their final possession and five seconds left, but a missed jumper gave the visiting Bulldogs (9-3, 2-0 Freedom) the road victory.
The game started very close with the score tied at 14 with 12:04 left in the opening half, but the Bulldogs built a 24-14 run to enter halftime leading, 38-28.
Senior forward Kirby Lutz ( Easton , Penn. /Pen Argly) was a big factor in the run with eight points and six rebounds to help build the double-digit halftime advantage.
During the second half, the Bulldogs led the entire way and were up 54-47 with 1:21 left.
The Bearcats rallied to cut the deficit to one point (75-74) on a jumper by Racquel Reid (Bronx, N.Y./Washington Irving) with just under 10 seconds left.
DeSales was immediately fouled on the next possession and LeighAnn Burke ( Philadelphia , Penn. /Archbishop Ryan) nailed one-of-two free throws to make it, 76-74.
The Bulldogs survived the last second shot for their ninth win of the season.
Burke led the visitors with a game-high 23 points, while Lutz finished with a double-double of 19 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals.
Paradise and Reid finished with 17 points each for the Bearcats.Dominique McClendon (Chicago, III./Seaside) recorded 15 points and seven rebounds.
