A double header for Men's and Women's Basketball at Rockland Community College ends well for the Caiman Men but the Women fall short.
 
With a 29-12 run late in the second half the #9 Caimans captured an important 77-70 NJCAA Region XV victory over the Hawks on Thursday evening. This was an important game for both teams as they entered the game tied for second with an 8-1 records in the Region.
 
Hostos took a lead on a Chad Coachman 3 point shot to start the game but the Hawks, more enthused to start, began to push away from the Caimans. Consecutive early offensive rebounds and shots by Tommie Starkes as well as a 3 by Justin Guzman opened a 30-20 for Rockland.  Hostos fought back with baskets by Henderson Belle and Rahlek Smith, but the Hawks extended the lead to end the half with a 37-26 advantage.  Leading scorer in the region, Starkes, led the Hawks with 14 first half points while Coachman had 9 points for the Caimans.  For Hostos, the half could not have ended early enough as they appeared out of sync with quick shot attempts and defensive breakdowns. 
 
The second half started off no different than the first half for Rockland as they hit the first shot of the second half; a 3 point basket by Jayson Quijada to make it 40-26 giving Rockland a 14 point lead.  Hostos was not about to let a 12 game winning streak and a newly minted national ranking end though as they fought back closing to within 3 points with 11 minutes remaining.  Seeing their lead diminish the Hawks pushed back bringing the lead to 10 at 58-48. Hostos kept their resolve and would not give up.  Relying on their trademark defense they held Starkes to 6 points in the second half and 11 for Cruz for the game. Hostos came storming back to finish the game outscoring Rockland 29-12 over the last 9 minutes of the game, the lead was cut to 1 at 61-60 when Tyree White scored at the rim.  On the ensuing possession, Darren Wilson nailed a 3 to finally put Hostos ahead 63-61.  A corner jump shot with the shot clock winding down by Rishawd Hendricks and a Coachman drive and dunk helped extend the lead for Hostos to give them the 77-70 victory.  Coachman had 18 points, White had 15 points, and Maverick Hodge had 13 for the Caimans.

Women's Basketball fell short in the first part of the double header losing to the Hawks 44-64. Melsha Messam led the team with 11 points and 8 rebounds, Kristina Shcherban added 10 points and Tamesha Briggs put up 9 points and dealt out 5 assist. The Caimans fall to 5-8 overall.
 
The win pushes the overall record to an astounding 13-1 and gives Hostos sole possession of second place in the Region.  They also remain in first place in CUNYAC Conference play.  Next up for the #9 Caimans are the winners of 13 in a row, as well, West Point Prep otherwise known as USMAPS.  Not a Junior College program, USMAPS is comprised of preparatory scholar athletes who are in position to play for NCAA Division 1 West Point next season.  Already having beaten, NJCAA Division 1 ASA College and Globe CC, USMAPS will be quite the positive challenge for the streaking Caimans!   Game time is 2pm at the Swamp of Hostos on Saturday.  Make sure to attend!  Let's Go Caimans.