By NJCAA staff | Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 2/23/2022 8:54:00 AM
 
The #4 seeded Caimans began their Region XV playoff push facing off for the fourth time this season and second time in five days against the #5 seeded Tigers of Queensborough Community College in the quarterfinals of the Region XV playoffs. The Caimans controlled much of the first half but a late push by the Tigers cut the halftime lead of the Caimans down to two points 25-23 heading into the locker room. The second half saw the Caimans push their lead to ten points two different times before Queensborough responded with a 10-0 run in the last four minutes of the game capped off by a Khari Ojeda-Harvey three pointer with 6.8 seconds left to tie the game at 54 apiece. On the ensuing Caimans possession the Tigers were whistled for a foul sending Hostos guard Joshua Brown to the free throw line where he calmly went two for two giving the Caimans the 56-54 lead. The Tigers had one more attempt missing a three point attempt at the buzzer for the win. With the win the 4-seeded Caimans now head to the Region XV semifinals where their opponent will be #1 seed Suffolk Community College. 

Leading the way for the Caimans was freshman guard Marquise Pauling who posted a team high 13 points to go along with a game high eight steals while adding five assists and three rebounds. freshman guard Onias Outlaw also had a solid outing for the Caimans with a 11 point, seven rebound, four assist and three steal performance. Also having a great night for the Caimans was freshman guard/forward Jaylen Thomas who netted 10 points and added two rebounds. Controlling the boards for the Caimans was freshman forward Ashaunte Manuel who corralled 10 rebounds while adding six points and three blocks.

Leading the Tigers in scoring was Region XV Player of the Year Khari Ojeda-Harvey who posted a game high 21 points while dishing out seven assists. Also having a huge night for the Tigers was Preston Harts who posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

As a team the Caimans defense held Queensborough to 38.6% shooting from the floor while nabbing 15 steals and forcing 26 Queensborough turnovers.

Next up for the Caimans is the Region XV Semifinals where the #4 seed Caimans will face off against the #1 seed Sharks of Suffolk Community College on Saturday, February 26 at 6:00pm. The Region XV tournament is being held at the Monroe Athletic Complex in downtown New Rochelle and is open to spectators. In the other semifinal game to be played at 4:00pm the #2 seed Monroe-Bronx Express will face off against the #3 seed Nassau Community College Lions.

Visit www.hostosathletics.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @hostosathletics to stay up to date and follow all Hostos athletics action.

###