NEW YORK, NY - The men's basketball team celebrated senior night in style with a commanding 79-71 victory over conference-leading Baruch College in the team's regular season final on Tuesday night at the Doghouse. With the win, John Jay clinched the #4 seed in the upcoming CUNYAC Men's Basketball Championship and finished the regular season with an 11-13 record (8-6 CUNYAC). Meanwhile, Baruch closes the 2021-22 regular season with a 17-7 mark (11-3 CUNYAC). 

The Bloodhounds had a strong start to the game, getting out to an 11-4 lead thanks to seven quick points from junior Angel Rivera. That early lead would prove pivotal as the Bearcats scratched and clawed their way back into the game on various occasions in the second half. By halftime, John Jay's largest lead had been 13 points, and they headed into the break seemingly in control. It took only four minutes for Baruch to cut its deficit to just one point, and the Bearcats actually took the lead with a free throw at the 15:13 mark, but that would be the only lead they would have the rest of the way. Freshman Isaac Holmes, sophomore Corey Jones Jr., and freshman TJ Chisolm each nailed consecutive three-pointers to give the Bloodhounds a 10-point lead late in the game and that would prove to be enough. 

John Jay needed contributions from everyone in order to win this game, and it showed in the box score as nine different players found the score column. The Bloodhounds' leading scorer was Rivera who scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. Jones Jr. matched his career-high with 15 points and knocked down two three-pointers. Holmes had a massive 14 points and two rebounds. Sophomore Garrison Watkins had 10 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Dan Kenny and freshman Jordan Evelyn combined for 12 points and seven rebounds. Junior Juwan Fraser tied for the team-lead in rebounds with six and added four points. Junior Connor Braat chipped in four points.

The Bloodhounds will play host to #5 Hunter College in the opening round of the CUNYAC Tournament on Sunday, February 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game will be streamed via johnjayathletics.com/watch.