By: Michael L. Damon
mdamon@jjay.cuny.edu
(212) 237-8322
Box Score
New York, N.Y.— The John Jay men's basketball team came out sluggish in the first half and fell behind big early and did not quite have enough to come back as a second half surge fell short in the end as the Bloodhounds were defeated by the College of Mount Saint Mary (CMSM) 87-76 at the Doghouse on Friday evening.
John Jay falls to 5-4 overall this season with the loss, while CMSM is now 5-3 this season.
The visiting Blue Knights led almost the entire way as the Bloodhounds held a brief 6-4 lead in the opening minutes in what was otherwise a big first half for CMSM. The Blue Knights led in double figures for the first time in the game when they took an 18-8 lead with 13:38 to play.
John Jay managed to keep the deficit within striking range and were down by eight with a 25-17 deficit with just under 10 minutes in the first half.
But a 10-0 run by the Blue Knights put them ahead 35-17 with 7:19 to go and gave them full control of the contest.
CMSM still held a double figure lead at halftime and led 45-30 at the break.
The Blue Knights increased the lead to over 20 in the second half. CMSM led by as much as 21 in the final stanza and led 70-49 with 8:57 to play.
Pressing defense allowed the Bloodhounds to make a game of it in the later stages of the second half. After falling behind 21, John Jay outscored CMSM 14-3 over the next five minutes to get the lead to 10.
Joseph Padell netted a three point field goal from about 30 feet out to cap the run.
But the Blue Knights answered the call and managed to keep John Jay from penetrating any deeper into the lead. The Bloodhounds pulled to within eight and were down 80-72 with 1:15 to play. But the Blue Knights failed to turn the ball over and connected on 7-of-12 free throws in the closing moments which proved to be good enough to hold off any late game comeback.
John Jay connected on 43.3 percent from the floor (29-for-67), while CMSM made 53.6 percent (30-for-56).
The Bloodhounds were led in scoring by
Jerome Alexander with 32 points, while
Jamar Harry had a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Blue Knights were led by Carlos Valdez with 22 points and 16 rebounds. He made 8-of-12 from the floor, including four uncontested dunks. Meanwhile Lenny Ragaglia had 18 off the bench for CMSM.
John Jay will have 18 days off from competition and return to action on Tuesday December 27 for a home contest against Yeshiva University at 7 p.m.
