NEW YORK, N.Y.— John Jay College rallied from a 14-point second-half deficit, eventually defeating the York College men's basketball team in overtime, 72-68, on Tuesday night.
 
York looked to be in control of the game after they started the second half with a 15-2 run, to take what seemed to be a commanding 42-28 lead with 14:45 to go.  However, John Jay slowly chipped away, eventually taking the lead (55-53) following a jumper by Darell Robinson with 3:13 to go.  The Cardinals then had to regroup just to force overtime, as Franklin Green made a pair of free throws with just seven seconds left, which tied the game at 58-58.  Both teams had a chance to get off one more shot, but neither team could convert, forcing the extra period. 
 
In overtime, York once again looked like they would pull out the victory, after a jumper by Taron Pascal and two made three throws by Du'Quan Lawson on consecutive York possessions gave the Cardinals a 65-61 lead with 2:05 to go.  However, the Bloodhounds responded with seven straight points, getting a three-pointer from Kris Owens and four free throws mixed in, making it 68-65 with just 31 ticks left.
 
On York's next possession, Cyril Reid drained a big three-pointer to even the score up at 68-68 with just 18 seconds to go.  But as John Jay brought the ball up for one more possession, they were fouled, sending Anthony Saldarriaga to the line. He made both shots to put John Jay up by two.  The Cardinals had one last chance, but this time, a Reid three-pointer was off the mark, giving John Jay the victory.
 
In the loss, York (13-10, 8-6) CUNYAC got a game and season-high 25 points from Reid, who was also 7-of-13 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Reid also grabbed 10 boards, blocked four shots and had three steals.  Franklin Green added 12 points and three assists and Du'Quan Lawson had 11 points and three assists.
 
Poor free throw shooting may be partially to be blame for the Cardinals failing to protect the lead.  They just 57.9 percent in the second half, which helped John Jay get back into the game.
 
John Jay (5-19, 4-11 CUNYAC) got 19 points and 7 boards from Owens and 12 points from Saldarriaga.  Despite just having five wins on the season, the Bloodhounds seem to have York's number this year, defeating the Cardinals in both meetings.
 
It was a tough loss for York because the defeat severely hurts York's chances of hosting a first-round playoff game in the CUNYAC Championships.  York sits in fifth place and is two games out of the fourth spot with two to play.  Fortunately for York, they do have some control because they face Lehman College on Friday, who is ahead of them in fourth place.  Tip-off in the Bronx is set for 7:30 p.m.