For the third consecutive game, the Bearcats saw a conference match up decided in the closing seconds. However, this time, the Bearcats finally came out on the winning end, as Carl Emengo (Brooklyn, N.Y./Canarsie) sank a running three-pointer as the clock expired to hand the Bearcats an exciting 70-67 road victory on Friday night at the Hunter Sportsplex.
The victory improves the Bearcats to 10-14 overall and 8-5 in CUNYAC, while Hunter drops to 12-12 and 6-7 in CUNYAC.
The tournament match ups will be available later this weekend, as several conference games remaining will help decide and break a series of ties in the latest CUNYAC standings. (LATEST STANDINGS)
The game, tightly contested with no side able to build a big lead, was decided in the exciting final minute.
Adrian Serrano (Brooklyn, N.Y./Christ the King) connected on a 3-pointer for a 65-63 lead with 1:01 left, but the Hawks quickly tied it on a pair of free throws by Gerard Ciarleglio (Bradenton, FL / Cardinal Mooney).
Baruch scored on their next possession on a jumper by Emengo for a 67-65 advantage at 24 seconds, but Hunter tied it again with a basket by Ryan Phillips (Colombia, MO/Hickman) with just four seconds remaining.
Emengo immediately received the inbounds pass and dribbled against the defense up court until he sank a running three-pointer to beat the block for the winning basket.
The game was temporarily thrown into chaos, as the officials discussed the basket with the irate teams awaiting their decision, but it was ruled to fall through before the final buzzer.
Phil Schatz (Middle Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) was the top scorer for the Bearcats with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots. Emengo finished with 19 points and five assists, while Serrano had 14 points.
Ciarleglio led the Hawks with 21 points (five 3-pointers).
The Bearcats will conclude their 2006-07 regular-season schedule on Monday night with a non-conference clash against Farmingdale State. Tip-off in the ARC Arena is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
