Ewing, NJ – The City College of New York men's basketball team battled hard but ultimately fell to nationally ranked No. 24 TCNJ, 106–74, on Friday evening in the opening round of the Greg Grant Tip-Off Tournament.
TCNJ set the tone early, taking a 56–34 lead into halftime. CCNY responded with improved offensive rhythm in the second half—putting up 40 points—but the Lions' pace and efficiency proved too much to overcome as the Beavers moved to 0–2 (0–0 CUNYAC) on the season.
Senior
Justin Morety led all CCNY scorers with a standout 27-point performance, adding six rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes. Freshman
Samuel Olubakin added 13 points, while classmate
Olabanjo Aborisade delivered a strong effort off the bench with 13 points and five boards.
Additional contributions came from Sophomore
Chris Popotte (3 points, three rebounds), freshman
Fabian Cruz (2 points, five rebounds), senior
Kayson Dinkins (5 points, four rebounds), and freshman
Komron Ergashev (4 points).
CCNY finished the night shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, while grabbing 29 rebounds and forcing seven steals.
The Beavers will look to bounce back on Saturday, taking on Johnson & Wales in the consolation game of the Greg Grant Tip-Off Tournament at 3 PM.