The last time the Caimans won a CUNY Conference Tournament Championship was in 2007-08.  Well, that six year drought ended Friday night as the #6th ranked team in the nation, the Hostos Caimans, gritted out a tough victory over the Bronx Broncos 78-72 in the Final of the CUNY Conference Tournament at Kingsborough CC.  By capturing the title and garnering their 25th win of the season, the Caimans, dethroned the 3 time defending conference champions, Bronx Broncos in front of a passion filled arena of Caimans supporters!  Tyree White was named CUNY Conference/Con Edison Tournament MVP and Rashaan Bailey was selected to the All Tournament team for his stellar play.

Hostos got off to a quick start as they jumped ahead of Bronx 8-2 with the help of Anthony Rose's initial free throws.  Furthermore, Tyree White, whom a day earlier was named the CUNY Player of the Year, scored four of the team's first eight points. Yet the Bronco's kept fighting and found their way back into the game cutting the lead to 2 at 14-12 with about 10 minutes remaining in the half.  It was at the same time in the game that Tyree White picked up a crucial second foul and had to go to the bench.  Yet, Hostos remained composed without its team captain and with 7 minutes left in the half began to methodically pull away from Bronx as they went on a 10-1 run to lead 30-19.  Hostos ended the half up 36-27. 

After a 3 point basket by Taron Pascal early in the second half to give Hostos a 41-31 lead things looked bright for the Caimans.  But the Broncos not ready to relinquish their title went on a 10-3 run to cut the Caiman lead to 3 at 44-41 with under 12 minutes remaining.  The Caimans chomped right back and went on their own 11-4 run to lead by 10 (55-45) with 9 minutes left in the contest.  They maintained this margin the rest of the way as Bronx never got any closer than 6 points as Hostos won 78-72.  White finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds while Rashaan Bailey had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.  Dehaina Bailey had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists and Jabar Jefferson had 12 points and 8 rebounds.  Jerrel Meriwether concluded the scoring for the Caimans with 14 points.

This is the first CUNY Conference Title for Hostos since 2007-08.  It also marks the completion of a great run this season in the CUNY Conference in which the Caimans went 10-0 in the regular season, capturing the Regular Season Conference Title as well.  For their accolades, Dr. Jody King was named CUNY Coach of the Year, his second honor of such in the last two seasons.  Furthermore Tyree White received Player of the Year and both Dehaina Bailey and Taron Pascal were honored.  

Now with an overall record of 25-4, the Caiman locker room further erupted when they were told that they would be the #3 seed entering the Region XV Tournament which begins next Friday at Suffolk CC in Selden, Long Island with time of game TBD. In order for the Caimans to win the Region XV Tournament and advance to the National Tournament they must win 3 consecutive games.   But, they face a familiar rival in CUNY Conference Member the Kingsborough Wave, to start tournament action.  Follow www.hostosathletics.com for all further information pertaining to the Region XV Tournament.  

*Portion of article taken from www.cunyathletics.com