Box Score

Brooklyn, NY --- With just seven seconds remaining in a tied ballgame, senior guard Tyshawn Russell went coast-to-coast to convert the eventual game-winning basket, as the Bulldogs erased a 10-point second half deficit to edge out the Cardinals of York College, 77-75, in a City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) South Division match-up.

With the win, BC extends its winning streak to three straight to improve to 8-2 overall and 2-0 in the CUNYAC; while York falls to 4-10 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The night would belong to Russell, as in the first half with his layup at the 13:32 mark, the Jamaica, NY native etched his name in the Brooklyn record book, becoming the 18th player in school history to reach 1,000 career points. Russell joins current classmate Amil John, who surpassed 1,000 points on December 8th, in an 87-56 win over Vaughn College.

Russell has played in 93 career games, while making 38 starts and accumulating 1,012 points, 203 rebounds, 172 assists and 134 steals.

The first half featured a tight back-and-forth contest with 12 ties. The Cardinals would eventually take a slim 44-43 lead heading into the halftime break.

York would continue to build on its lead in the second half as the Cardinals would take a 10-point advantage, 65-55, the biggest of the game, with just 9:05 remaining before the final buzzer.

From there on out, the Bulldogs would chip away at their deficit and eventually tie the game for the 13th time at 75-75 on a key three-pointer from junior Kavon Baker with just 19 seconds left in the game.

The Cardinals had their chance to regain the advantage; however Russell would rebound a missed would-be go ahead jumper from William Holley with seven seconds remaining, to set up the coast-to-coast game-winner.

“We play for 40 minutes and we play to score quickly,” said head coach Steve Podias. “The end of the game is a tribute to our kids always believing in our system and staying the course. And they know, you can be behind an entire half as long as you lead at the end.”

Baker finished with a team-high 20 points, to go along with seven rebounds and five steals, while John finished the night with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Russell contributed with 18 points, while junior Keiran Halton chipped in with 11 points.

York was led by Shamir Wilkinson who led all scorers with a game-high 24 points, to go along with 12 rebounds for the double-double. Omari Phipps also registered a double-double with 17 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Tony Vails also finished with 17 points.

For the game, Brooklyn shot 43.5% (30-69) from the field, including 21.7% (5-23) from three. The Bulldogs also shot 66.7% (12-18) from the free throw line.

The Cardinals shot 44.8% (30-67) from the field and 33.3% (3-9) from beyond the arc, while also shooting 75.0% (12-16) from the charity stripe.

York controlled the glass out-rebounding Brooklyn 54-31; however the stifling Bulldogs defense forced the Cardinals into 25 turnovers, while collecting 13 steals.

Brooklyn returns to action this Saturday, January 7th, as the Bulldogs will travel to Staten Island, NY to take on the Dolphins of the College of Staten Island in a key CUNYAC South Division contest. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 pm.