CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 16, 2024) – No. 1 Hostos outlasted No. 3 BMCC, 88-85, in a double overtime thriller to win the 2024 CUNYAC Community College Men’s Basketball Championship at Kingsborough Community College.
In what was the first double overtime final in conference history that featured 17 ties and nine lead changes, the Caimans made enough timely plays to secure a second league title in three seasons and seventh in program history.
Tyrese Conway shined for the Caimans in the victory, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. For his performance, he was named the championship’s Most Valuable Player.
Trailing 70-66 in the final 3:33 of regulation, Hostos scored six straight points to take the lead in the final 1:07, with all three field goals scored by TeAmo Ebron. BMCC tied the game at 72-all on a jumper from Isah Mohammed with 39 seconds on the clock. Each team had a look at the end but were unable to convert, sending the game into overtime.
In the first overtime period, BMCC held a 79-76 lead with 2:31 left in the extra period. Hostos scored back-to-back field goals to take a brief 81-80 edge with 1:42 left. The Panthers tied the game once again at 80-all on a free throw from Mohammed.
Hostos had the last look of the period, but Conway’s layup rimmed-out in the final seconds to send the championship game to a second overtime period.
BMCC opened the second overtime with a 3-pointer from Khalil Black, but the Caimans chipped away to tie the game once again at 83-all. Conway hit the game-winning basket with 34 seconds remaining and Evan Douglas-Vasquez tacked on a free throw for insurance to secure the victory and conference bragging rights.
Ebron recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block in the win. Francis Garcia finished with 19 points and three rebounds, while Douglas-Vasquez posted 13 points and three rebounds.
Jayden Jarrett led all scorers with 23 points along with 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mohammed had a monster game with 22 points, 18 rebounds, eight blocks and four assists. Black finished with 16 points while Ysaia Marte turned in 14.
The 2024 NJCAA Region XV Men’s Basketball Championship is scheduled for Feb. 27 – Mar. 3.
2024 CUNYAC Community College Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team
MVP: Tyrese Conway, Hostos
TeAmo Ebron, Hostos
Francis Garcia, Hostos
Khalil Black, BMCC
Ysaia Marte, BMCC
Orion Anyango, KCC
Isaiah Grant, QCC