On a night that saw the Hostos men's basketball program celebrate Coach King's 50^th career win was also an important win for the program.  Snapping a tough two game losing streak by a total of 6 points, the Hostos Caimans, started hot and held on to a 73-68 victory over the Nassau CC Lions.  After a quick start by both teams, Hostos was able to pull away early in the first half taking a ten point lead.  The Caimans led by as many as 18 points shooting a blistering 54% from the field. Charles Jackson and Brandon Stolz both had 13 points as well as 14 combined rebounds in the first half.
 
The second half started well for the Caimans by being up 20 points with a little over 16 minutes to play.  Yet, the Lions were determined to make this game a contest.  They roared all the way back by hitting multiple 3 point shots and with 7:21 left in the game, guard Darin Dove brought Nassau CC within a point. The score remained close heading into the final minutes with Hostos never relinquishing the lead.  And, with 22.7 seconds, Hostos up 2 points, sophomore forward Brian Morrison, was fouled going to the basket.  He hit one of two free throws for a 71-68 lead. With an opportunity left and the clock running down, Nassau CC guard, Chris Mauldin, dribbled to the three-point line and launched a shot with 5.6 seconds remaining that hit the back end of the rim and eventually out-of-bounds. Nassau then fouled Brandon Stolz who sealed the win for Hostos by making consecutive free throws.  Stolz finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jackson led the team with 26 points and 12 rebounds.  Brian Morrison and Gary Anderson each had 9 points for the Caimans in victory.
 
It was also a special night for Head Coach Jody King, Ph.D.  who picked up his 50th career win, in just over 3 seasons, as his team celebrated with a narrow margin victory over Nassau CC. “This is not so much about an individual accomplishment as it is about a collection of student-athletes who have given myself and our coaching staff the great privilege to work with them and teach them about basketball and life”, stated King.  His student-athletes could not have agreed more as they all celebrated by surprising King as he entered the locker room to greet the team.
 
Up next, the Caimans, will play against NCAA Division III Mount Saint Vincent on Monday at 7pm at home in the Swamp. See you there! 

Go Caimans!