JAMAICA, N.Y. – York College men's basketball faced off against Medgar Evers College at home Tuesday night.  MEC took the win 76-58.
 
The game started off with a quick pace, as both sides were eager to get to the basket.  Freshman Ryan Smart made his presence known in the paint for the Cardinals; scoring 11 points in the first half.   With eight minutes to go in the first frame, Smart demonstrated his defensive quickness intercepting a pass in the defensive end and running the length of the floor to put in a layup.  The first half closed out with physical play from both teams.  Medgar Evers rallied late in the half to take a 37-29 lead.  The Cougars were able to shoot 50% from the floor in the first half that allowed them to maintain a lead despite 14 turnovers.
 
The Cardinals would enter the second half with an eight-point deficit and Medgar Evers with the ball.  York clearly intended to slow the pace with a more tempered offensive approach.  This proved effective as York scored six unanswered points. Rashaan Bailey capped off the run with a lob to a soaring Smart for the dunk finish to bring the Cardinals within two points. 

The Cougars would answer with a three pointer from Maurice Swaby II, his tenth point of the evening, making the score 45-39 in favor of MEC.  The Cougars forced the Cardinals back into a fast-paced game and increased their lead to 14 with ten minutes to go in the game.   The second half increased in physicality in already aggressive match up.   Ultimately the Cougars would prevail with a final score of 76-58.  

York was led for the night by Rashaan Bailey with 16 points three assists and two blocks along with Ryan Smart who recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, one block and four steals. Matthew Lee had a game-high 28 points to lead Medgar Evers.  The Cougars improve to 2-3, 1-0 CUNYAC with the wine. York drops to 2-4, 0-1 CUNYAC. 
 
York will play again Monday, November 30^th away at 7:00 against New Jersey City University.