Marcel Esonwune began the season strong, earning CUNY Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors. The Cardinals (1-2; 0-0 CUNYAC) lost at Old Westbury 85-78 before taking second place in the Montclair State Tip-Off Tournament. York beat Eastern University 83-57 in the opener before falling to the host Montclair State 84-77 in overtime in the title game. Esonwune averaged 18.7 points and 18.3 caroms on the week.
In the season opener at Old Westbury, he recorded 22 points, hitting 10 of his 13 shots from the floor, while adding 14 rebounds and four blocked shots. Against Eastern, he recorded 15 points and as many rebounds to go with his four blocks and three steals. In the championship game against Montclair, the preseason All-American grabbed a career-high 26 rebounds to go with his 19 points, four assists and three blocks. He was named to the All-Tournament team for his efforts.
York hosts Ramapo College Tuesday night in the home opener, then head to Wayne, N.J. on Saturday to face William Paterson.