NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Hunter College men's basketball team escaped with a thrilling 67-65 win over CCNY on Friday night, holding off a late surge to pick up a key conference victory in the Sportsplex.

The game came down to the final possession, as the Hawks (4-15, 2-6 CUNYAC) broke a 65-all tie with two clutch free throws from JP Maaba with six seconds remaining. Hunter's defense held firm as CCNY's last-second three-point attempt rimmed out, sealing the wire-to-wire battle.

Maaba led the way with 19 points, four assists and four steals, going 8-for-9 from the line and setting the tone on both ends. Jayden Jarrett and Jeremiah Otasowie each added 13 points, with Jarrett also pulling down seven rebounds to control the paint.

Demetrios Kontos anchored the glass with 10 rebounds and added eight points, while Georgios Gatsias provided a spark off the bench with seven key points. The Hawks shot 45.8 percent from the floor and forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 13 points.

Hunter led 33-30 at the half and battled through five ties and seven lead changes in the second frame. The final two minutes featured back-to-back buckets from both teams before Maaba's go-ahead free throws put the game away.

The Hawks return to Sportsplex on Jan. 30 as they host John Jay at 7 p.m.