Top-seeded Hostos, ranked #6 in the NJCAA, were looking to head to the championship game for the second time in three years as they faced the BMCC Panthers Wednesday night in the opening round of the CUNY Tournament. They were successful with a mid first half run which gave them a double digit lead that they never relinquished in route to the 86-70 victory. The newly minted #6 in the nation Hostos Caimans are now 24-4 overall.

The Panthers found themselves on the board first to start the game. After about 5 minutes of action, the Panthers led 9-5, but their lead was quickly diminished. With 10 minutes left in the first half, Hostos led 21-19 and would hold that lead through the rest of the half. The Caimans totaled 48 points in the first half with a tally of 19 rebounds, 11 steals and a .500 shooting percentage as they led at the half 48-34.

The second half was controlled by the Caimans. The Panthers were never able to cut the lead below 10 points as Hostos was always able to match any BMCC run. Hostos tallied 38 points in the second period to defeat BMCC 86-70."It was a good team win," said Hostos men's basketball head coach Dr. Jody King. "We got over our nerves after the first six or seven minutes and then we played Hostos basketball." Sophomore forward/guard Tyree White was named Modell's Player of the Game for his double-double performance (15 total points and 13 rebounds).

Now the Caimans look forward to return back to the CUNY Championship game, which will be played this Friday at 8:30pm at Kingsborough Community College. There opponent was unveiled in Wednesday's semifinal night cap as the Bronx Broncos played the Kingsborough Wave.  Bronx was able to pull away with the win late setting up the all Bronx matchup for the title.  Two years ago both teams played each other in the 2012 CUNY Finals.  The game, considered a nail biter, came down to the final shot as Hostos was unable to tie the game giving Bronx the thrilling 62-59 victory.  The Caimans look to avenge that loss and bring home a championship! 

The Hostos Athletic Department will be providing a fan van to go Support the Caimans at Kingsborough on Friday. We need all the love and support so please join us in bringing the noise to Brooklyn! You can stop by the Athletic Department to sign up for a seat on the fan van or email, Kcastro@hostos.cuny.edu.  See you there!

Remember to follow all things Caimans by logging onto www.hostosathletics.com.  Let's go Caimans! 
 
 
*Portion of article taken from www.cunyathletics.com