New York, NY – The men's basketball team won their fifth straight game last night after defeating Baruch College in a CUNYAC contest by as score of 59-57. The victory marks their seven out of their last eight games and moves them up to a tie for second in the conference standings.
 
Jonah Bevacqua had a strong game while leading the Hawks in scoring. The freshman big man posted 15 points 7-11 shooting from the field, while extending offensive possessions with four offensive rebounds. Danny Fusco and Judah McIntyre were the only other Hawks in double figures scoring 22 points combined. George Keener and Gio Gabbidon added nine points each while Luka Jakic was strong on the glass collecting a game high 11 rebounds in only 19 minutes of play.
 
The Hawks faced a double digit deficit early in the first half, but a three pointer by Bevacqua sparked a 15-5 run to close the gap to only 2. Hunter struggled shooting the ball from the field in the first half, but took advantage at the free throw line shooting 11-13. Baruch shot 44 percent from the field while holding the lead for the entire half. A free throw by Gabbidon left the Purple and Gold down 4 at 26-30 at Halftime.
 
The Hawks would take their first lead of the game with 15 minutes to go as a jumper by Bevacqua put them ahead 42-40. The game would continue to be tight after that with seven lead changes and neither team leading by more than four points. Hunter played stifling defense in the second half holding Baruch to 27 percent shooting from the field. With only 12 seconds to play and the score tied, Keener found Gabbidon who knocked down the jumper for the game winning shot.
 
The Hawks are back in action on Monday, February 10th when they host Lehman College in a matchup of the two second place teams. Tip-off is set for 7 pm at the Hunter College Sportsplex.