Brooklyn, NY — The City College of New York men's basketball team is heading back to the CUNY Athletic Conference Championship Game for the first time since 2017 after an instant-classic victory on Wednesday night. CCNY outlasted Brooklyn College, 76–72, in a dramatic double-overtime battle at the West Quad Center in the CUNYAC Semifinals.
The Beavers (8–18, 5–8 CUNYAC) showed poise and resilience, erasing deficits, matching Brooklyn basket for basket, and ultimately pulling away in the second overtime to secure their spot in the finals.
CCNY was led by junior
Abdias Carcamo, who delivered a career night with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 42 minutes of action. Carcamo knocked down three three-pointers and went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, repeatedly answering Brooklyn runs in crunch time.
Freshman
Olabanjo Aborisade was a force on both ends, logging 48 minutes while finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds, while senior
Michael Bowman added 15 points, four assists, and key baskets late despite playing all 50 minutes. Sophomore
Chris Popotte anchored the interior with a double-double effort, posting nine points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, including several critical offensive boards in overtime.
Brooklyn College (11–15, 9–5 CUNYAC) jumped out early, taking a 31–24 halftime lead behind a strong first-half shooting performance. CCNY responded after the break, outscoring Brooklyn 31–24 in the second half to force overtime as neither side could create separation in the final minutes of regulation.
The first overtime saw both teams trade blows, ending deadlocked at 63–63. In the second extra period, CCNY took control at the free-throw line and on the glass, shooting 50 percent from the field and holding Brooklyn to just eight points. The Beavers sealed the win by converting five free throws in the final minutes and forcing key defensive stops.
Brooklyn was led by Joe Charles' game-high 34 points, but CCNY's balanced attack and depth proved decisive. The Beavers won the turnover battle, scored 19 points off Brooklyn miscues, and collected 14 second-chance points in the win.
With the victory, CCNY advances to the 2026 CUNYAC Championship Game, marking the program's first finals appearance since 2017. The Beavers face top-seeded Lehman College tomorrow evening. The championship game will be held at Hunter College, tipping off at 6:00 p.m.
