JAMAICA, N.Y.—The Antoine Morris era began in exciting fashion for the York College men's basketball team, as the new head coach picked up his first career victory by a score of 94-82 in overtime against St. Joseph's College- Long Island.
 
The Cardinals prevailed in front of a packed house thanks to big efforts from newcomers Ryan Smart (24 points, 7-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks) and Sasha Clarida (23 points, 4 steals).  Senior Rashaan Bailey added 17 points and nine rebounds.  Dondre Jackson chipped in eight points and five assists. 
 
Clarida, a junior transfer, did most of his damage in the overtime period. He opened the extra frame with a three-pointer, a steal and a jumper to give the Cardinals a 74-71 lead.  Later in overtime, Clarida iced the game with a four-point play, getting fouled on a three-pointer and then draining a free throw, making the score 82-72.
 
After an even first half, York led by as many as 12 points in the second half. But St. Joseph's slowly cut into the deficit and took back the lead (63-62) on a three-pointer by Andy Laurent.
 
York would retake the lead thanks to a pair of big buckets by the freshman Smart and another lay-up by Clarida, which gave the Cardinals a 69-65 advantage with just 1:30 to play.
 
However, a York technical foul allowed St. Joseph's back in the game.  After two made St. Joseph's free throws, a York turnover gave the ball back to the Eagles.  Laurent then drained the tying jumper to make it 69-69 with 1:10 to go.  Neither team would score in the final minute of play.  York had a great opportunity to win it at the buzzer when Smart made a nice move in the paint and put up a shot, but it was off the mark, setting up the overtime period.
 
St. Joseph's got a big effort from Laurent, who scored 27 points to go along with nine boards and five assists. However, he did turn the ball over nine times.  Fernando Vazquez added 24 points and eight boards. They fall to 0-1 with the loss.
 
York, 1-0, will return to action on Monday with a road contest at Ramapo College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.