JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's basketball opened its home schedule Friday evening, but could not build upon its first-half momentum, dropping a 74-60 non-conference decision to SUNY Old Westbury Panthers (1-5) inside York College Gymnasium.

How it Happened
Old Westbury jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead just 1:08 in, starting with a layup followed by a 3-pointer from Jermaine King Jr. Both teams played evenly over the next 5:09, as Joshua Jackman and Jonte Wallace each scored four points to pull York within five (14–9). Trailing 22-12, Jackman poured in seven points to spark a 15–4 York run, giving the Cardinals their first lead at 27–24 with 3:22 remaining. Old Westbury responded by scoring seven of the final 10 points of the half to take a 31–30 edge into intermission. 

Scoreless over the first minute out of the break, Old Westbury went on an 18–6 spurt, sparked by 12 points from Joel Ofori—to build a 49–36 lead with 12:50 remaining. Smith canned a triple with 10:24 showing to get York as close as nine (51-42) before Old Westbury played with a double-digit cushion for the final 9:53, leading by as many as 19 (70-51) down the stretch. 

Leading the Cardinal
Jackman led the way, scoring 14 points in the first half and securing 10 rebounds to notch his second double-double of the season. Wallace also reached double-figures, contributing 10 points (4-of-6 FG), along with five rebounds and two steals. Smith generated a solid all-around effort with nine points (2-of-2 3FG), eight rebounds, three blocks, and three assists. Malakai Clark chipped in eight points and six rebounds. Oke Okrokoto was a force in the paint, posting seven points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Jaidan Johnson orchestrated the offense, dishing out six assists and adding two steals to his stat line.

For Old Westbury
Ofori produced an all-around performance of 20 points (9-of-21 FG), eight rebounds, five blocks, four steals, and three assists. Imole Akinwale added 17 points (6-of-12 FG, 2-of-5 3FG) and five rebounds. Jermaine King Jr. recorded a double-double with 15 points and a game-best 10 assists. He also contributed defensively with five steals.

Inside the Box Score
The Cardinals saw 40.7 percent (24-of-59) of their field goals go through the hoop, but only drained three triples and shot 33.3 percent (9-of-27) from the charity stripe. Old Westbury connected on 37.2 percent (29-of-78) of its shots, shooting 27.6 percent (8-of-29) from beyond the arc and 50 percent (8-of-16) at the free throw line. Establishing an inside presence, York had the edge in rebounds (49-45) and blocks (10-5). Meanwhile, the Panthers recorded more assists (21-14), steals (15-6), and points off turnovers (22-10).

Up Next 
The Cardinals (0-3) return to action Tuesday (Nov. 25) with a non-conference road battle against the Purchase College Panthers (1-3) starting at 6 p.m. from Purchase College Gymnasium.

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