Both teams attempted 72 shots and combined to score 160 points in one of the highest-scoring women’s games played at Baruch College this season.
The Bearcats (12-6, 7-0 CUNYAC) led throughout and built a 16-point (73-57) advantage with 9:00 minutes left, but the Dolphins (4-12, 3-3 CUNYAC) chipped away to get as close as five points (75-70) on a three-pointer by Melanie D’Ambrosi (Staten Island, N.Y./St. Joseph by the Sea) with 4:18 remaining.
Baruch responded with a time out and came out of the huddle with a layup by Dominique McClendon (Chicago, III./Seaside), along with a pair of free throws each by Ally Stamatiades (Astoria, N.Y./W.C. Bryant) and Myleka Garnett (Seaside, Calif./Seaside), to help build their lead back up to 71-61 with two minutes remaining.
The run was enough to give the Bearcats their 12th victory of the season, including a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play.
The Bearcats have now won 23 consecutive games against CUNYAC opposition, and also stretch their streak of scoring 75 or more points to seven games.
The Dolphins were led in scoring with a very impressive performance by sophomore Nicole Estrada (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Kearney) with 30 points and 11 rebounds. D’Ambrosi finished with 19 points and shot five-of-nine from beyond the arc.
The Bearcats were led by McClendon and Chiresse Paradise (Chicago, III./Rich Central) with 18 points each, while Racquel Reid (Bronx, N.Y./Washington Irving) added 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Karlee Whipple (Lund, Nevada/Lund) rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.
The Bearcats will return to action this Friday with a conference road game at Medgar Evers. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.