NEW YORK — In front of an electric crowd at the Sportsplex, top-seeded Hunter College used a dominant finish to defeat No. 4 seed John Jay 73-62 in the CUNY Athletic Conference women's basketball semifinals Tuesday night at the Hunter College Sportsplex. The Hawks advance to the championship game, where they will face No. 3 seed Brooklyn College on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Hunter (20-5, 13-1 CUNYAC) trailed 25-23 at halftime and entered the fourth quarter down six points before rallying late. With the score tied at 53-53 and 4:23 remaining, Erin Cosio scored a fast-break layup to give the Hawks the lead. Moments later, Gianna Henriques put Hunter ahead 55-54 with a layup. The Hawks secured the lead for good at the 2:48 mark when Alexa Charles sank a jumper, sparking an 18-8 run to close the game.

Charles led the Hawks with a game-high 25 points, including 11 in the final quarter, and added six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Henriques contributed 10 points and nine rebounds, while Cosio finished with nine points, including a crucial three-pointer in the third quarter. Kimberly Lau led the bench with 12 points as Hunter's reserves combined for 22 points.

The game began as a defensive battle, with Hunter holding a narrow 10-9 lead after the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets in the second quarter, but John Jay pulled ahead 25-23 at halftime. Hunter's offense picked up in the third quarter, closing the gap before setting the stage for their decisive fourth-quarter run.

Hunter sealed the victory with tenacious defense, forcing 19 turnovers that led to 19 points. The Hawks were also efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 10-for-11 in the final quarter, with Charles converting six straight free throws down the stretch.

"Our team played hard when it mattered most," Hunter head coach Garrett said. "We need to bring that same energy and intensity into the championship game, and we welcome for the challenge on our home court." 

Hunter will host Brooklyn College (17-9, 10-4 CUNYAC) in the CUNYAC title game Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Sportsplex, aiming for its first championship since 2020.