BASKETBALL SEASON ENDS IN TRIUMPH

BARUCH COLLEGE, NEW YORK, NY (3/12/03) -- On Monday evening, March 10, the Bearcats accomplished something unique in the history of Baruch College. The Men' basketall team won the ECAC Metro NY/NJ Championship by a score of 90-87.

It marked the first-ever victory in a post-season tournament for any Baruch team in any sport. And it was a heart-stopping win. With :16 seconds to go in the game and the Bearcats trailing 87-86, junior guard Joe Longobardi launched a three-point shot on a feed from senior guard John Alesi. It put the Bearcats up by two. Longobardi then hit 1-2 free throws to clinch the victory in what has been, according to head coach Ray Rankis, a hugely rewarding season.

The team finished with an overall record of 25-5 and Rankis was named the 2003 Coach of the Year.