The Baruch College Bearcats shot 51 percent (21-for-41) and led from start to finish to defeat John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 70-54, in a CUNYAC home contest played on Friday night in the ARC Arena.

Prior to the start of the game, the athletic department honored the memory of Laurence Smith '10 by presenting his brother Victor with a special game ball.

Star Soanes, a former volleyball player at Baruch, also honored Smith by singing the national anthem in front of a crowd that consisted of many friends, classmates, and teammates from Smith's playing days at Baruch College and time working in the Office of Student Affairs.

The Bearcats never allowed the advantage in the second half to get under seven points and limited them defensively to a paltry 23 percent shooting (18-for-79), thereby truly honoring Smith who was known for his defensive prowess on the court.

Brian McMahon won the inaugural Laurence Smith Defensive Player of the Game Award with an outstanding 10 point (5-5 fg), 13 rebound, five block effort against the Bloodhounds.

Raymond De La Cruz led all scorers for the second straight game with 17 points and five rebounds. Edward Roscigno also reached double-figures with 10 points, four assists and two steals.

Baruch will continue their CUNYAC schedule next Tuesday, December 10 with a 7:00 pm road contest uptown at CCNY.