CCNY 84, Baruch 79

After falling behind 6-4 at the 18:26 mark of the first half, the Beavers (17-11) went on a 14-3 run over the next five minutes to take an 18-9 advantage. They would not relinquish that lead for the remainder of the game against the Bearcats (22-5).

"This game is a great start for us and we hope to continue it in the NCAA Tournament," said 2003 senior guard Dana Warner (New York, NY), who was named CUNY Tournament MVP. The "start" is more like a continuation for the hottest team in the conference as the Beavers have now won 12 of their last 14 games.

"Dana Warner is the strongest guard in CUNY," said CCNY head coach Andy Stampfel. "He is so smart on both ends of the floor. Along with Edwin Caceres playing inside, they form a lethal combination. Basically our two seniors put the entire squad on their backs."

CCNY, which captured its 11th overall CUNY championship, had five players in double figurers. Warner paced the Beavers with 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Sophomore guard Avain Gourdine (New York, NY) notched 15 points and five assists while senior forward Caceres (Queens, NY) added 13 points along with a game-high 10 rebounds. Rounding out the double-figure scorers were sophomore forward Darryl France (Queens, NY) with 12 points while freshman guard Robert Barker (Brooklyn, NY) added 11 for the Beavers.

The host Bearcats were led by senior guard John Alesi (Staten Island, NY) with 18 points. Sophomore forward Sime Marnika (Flushing, NY) scored 14 points and grabbed nine boards while junior center Garry Etienne (Jamaica, NY) added 12 points and 15 rebounds in the loss for Baruch.

The win sends CCNY to the NCAA Championships for the second time in the last three seasons. The Beavers will learn their opponent Sunday night when the NCAA announces pairings for the 48-team national field. Baruch should receive an ECAC Tournament invitation