JAMAICA, N.Y— York College senior Angelika Ruggiano scored a career-high 28 points and freshman Claudia Rhoden scored seven points in the final three minutes to lead the Cardinals to a 56-48 victory over Medgar Evers College.

Ruggiano helped the Cardinals overcome a sloppy game by shooting 10-of-19 from the field, while Rhoden scored 7 of her 10 points in the most crucial moments. Jigcara Grant, who came into the game ranked fifth in the country in rebounding, pulled down 16 more rebounds. 

Medgar was led by Nia Tompkins and Danyelle Foster, who each scored 17 points.

York got off to a fast start, playing tough defense and limiting Medgar Evers to just six points and 3-of-16 shooting in the opening quarter.  York continued its strong defensive play in the second quarter and held the Cougars to just 16 points at halftime.  The Cardinals could not capitalize on the offensive side though, shooting 7-of-32 from the field and scoring just 19 points. York also did not do itself any favors, shooting just 5-of-16 from the free throw line.

Medgar looked like a different team to start the half.  They took a 25-19 lead on four straight buckets to start the second half.  However, Ruggiano almost single-handedly led the Cardinals back.  She scored 14 points in the third quarter, including a three-ball that put them back in front with 4:02 left in the quarter. But the Cougars got nearly as impressive of a performance in the third quarter from Nia Tompkins, who netted 14 points as well, which included four three-pointers.  The Cougars led 41-40 going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter continued to be a tight battle with neither team getting much separation. The score was tied at 46-46 with three minutes to go.  Claudia Rhoden then took over for York, getting two big buckets and a free throw on three straight possessions to put York up 51-48 with 1:55 to go.  She then iced the game with another big bucket off a nice dish from Juliet Matthews, making it 55-48 with under a minute to play.

York improves to 2-3, 1-0 CUNYAC, while Medgar Evers drops to 0-4, 0-1 CUNYAC. The Cardinals return to action on Saturday with a home game versus Mt. St. Vincent at 1 p.m. Admission is free and live stats are available at yorkathletics.com/coverage.