York College

Box Score

BROOKLYN, NY— The Brooklyn College Bulldogs rallied late to force overtime and then pulled away in the extra session to defeat the York College men's basketball team 78-70 on Wednesday evening.

The Cardinals (7-16, 5-6 CUNYAC) held a five-point cushion with 2:45 to play but Brooklyn (12-11, 8-4 CUNYAC) was able to battle back in the final minutes to force overtime.  After York took a 61-56 lead following two Kevin Lausell free throws at the 2:45 mark, Brooklyn responded with three made free-throws combined on its next two possessions to cut the lead to just two points with 1:31 to play.  York failed to score on its next two possessions and Brooklyn was fouled once again.  The Bulldogs made both free throws to even the score at 61-61 with 1:02 remaining. 

On the Cardinals next possession, Shamir Wilkinson hit a lay-up to put York up by two points with 45 seconds left but a Darnell Cudjoe lay-up just 12 seconds later, evened the score once again (63-63).  York turned the ball over on its next possession and the Bulldogs had final possession with the chance to win the game.  Amil John attempted a game-winning lay-up but York's Marcel Esonwune blocked the shot to force overtime.

The turning point in overtime came at the 1:05 mark with Brooklyn leading 70-69.  The Bulldog's Steven Grant drained a jumper to put Brooklyn up by three points and York turned the ball over on its next possession.  Brooklyn scored once again to go up by five points with just 36 seconds left.  York did score on its next possession to cut the lead to three but they were forced to foul and send the Bulldogs to the free throw line.  Brooklyn was able to make its free throws in the waning seconds of the game to seal the victory.

Despite the loss, Esonwune who has seemed to have Brooklyn's number in his career, finished with 19 points, 17 rebounds and six blocked shots.  William Holley had a good all-around game as well, scoring 18 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, handing out nine assists and blocking four shots.  Shamir Wilkinson also added 13 points and ten rebounds.

The Bulldogs were led by Cudjoe who finished with a game-high 24 points.  John added 20 points, while Tyshawn Russell finished with 16 points and five assists.  

York will return to action Saturday when they host the City College of New York at 4:00 p.m.  It will be senior day as well and each senior member of the Cardinals will be honored before the game.  In addition, the game is part of York College's “Spirit Week.” A number of prizes will be given out before and during the game, including Jet Blue Tickets.  Free T- shirts will be given out to those in attendance (while supplies last). Admission is free so be sure to come out to York College for this exciting event.