The men's basketball team overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat York College in overtime, 72-68, on Tuesday night in front of a packed crowd at the Doghouse. The Bloodhounds are now 5-19 on the year and 4-11 in the conference. The Cardinals drop to 13-10 overall and 8-6 in CUNYAC.

"Our effort particularly on the defensive end was outstanding," head coach Ryan Hyland said. "York played great tonight and made us really work hard for that win. Our guys never quit and I'm really proud of them."

Senior Kris Owens dropped a team-high 19 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Senior Anthony Saldarriaga recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Sophomore Ronald Merriwether came off the bench and registered 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Senior Darell Robinson dished out a game-high six assists and added nine points. Senior Korede Griffith finished with seven points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block. 

The first two minutes of the game consisted of York leading by two twice but the Bloodhounds tying it up. The Cardinals then went on a 7-0 run to lead 11-4 with 14:25 left in the half. John Jay responded right away by recording the next seven points to tie the game at 11. 

With 9:50 remaining in the half, York broke open the half on a 8-0 run. The Bloodhounds fired back to cut the deficit to 21-19 with 5:10 on the clock. The guest's went into halftime leading, 27-24. 

The Cardinals opened up the second frame on a 15-4 run to give them a 42-28 advantage. John Jay started chipping away at the lead. Down by 11, the Bloodhounds went on a 10-0 run to trim the deficit to one. York quickly increased their lead back up to six with 6:24 left. 

A jump shot by Robinson and four straight points by Merriwether tied the game at 53-53 with 4:26 remaining. With 70 seconds on the clock and John Jay down by one, Merriwether drained a three to give the Bloodhounds a two-point advantage. York hit two late free-throws to tie the game, 58-58 and send it into overtime.

In the Bloodhounds first possession in the extra period, Owens nailed a deep three to put the Bloodhounds ahead 61-58. The Cardinals followed that up on a 7-0 run to give them a four-point advantage. A free-throw by Saldarriaga and a three by Owens tied the game at 65 apiece with 1:21 left.

Two free-throws by Merriwether and one by Saldarriaga gave John Jay a 68-65 lead. Once again, the visitor's tied the game on a three-pointer. Saldarriaga then hit two clutch free-throws to put John Jay back on top by two. 

York called a timeout and took a long three-pointer that rattled off the rim and into Robinson's hands. He was fouled and sealed the victory for the Bloodhounds after hitting two free-throws. 

Before the game, the Athletics Department and men's basketball program honored five seniors, Korede Griffith, Kris Owens, Anthony Saldarriaga, Darell Robinson, and Kevin Crosby, who were playing in their final home game as a Bloodhound. In addition, the program also recognized Kris Owens and Korede Griffith for their career milestones. 

"I'm so happy we fought hard to celebrate senior day and send those 5 guys out the right way," Hyland added. 

The Bloodhounds close out the 2014-15 regular season on Saturday, February 14, when they travel to CCNY for a conference game at 2 pm.