The #22-ranked Baruch College Bearcats suffered a heart-breaking 59-53 defeat to the #17-ranked Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley College in an exciting first round game of the NCAA Championship Tournament on Friday night in Annville, Pennsylvania.

The season comes to an end for the Bearcats with a 26-3 record, while Lebanon Valley (24-4) advances to the next round Saturday night to host #7-ranked and undefeated Montclair State (28-0).

The game was an exciting affair, but frustrating with the Bearcats only making one trip to the free throw line the entire game.

The game began in the worst possible way with the Bearcats trailing, 11-0, until Alicea Ulmer connected on a 3-pointer with 15:39 left in the first half.

The Bearcats overcame the slow start, along with playing against the very loud and enthusiastic crowd support for the home team, to get as close as 23-20 at the intermission.

In the second half, the Bearcats tied the game at 27 on a 3-pointer by Lynda Fields that helped quiet the crowd and bring the Baruch bench and traveling family support to their feet.

Another shot by Fields, a jumper by Ulmer, and a long 3-pointer by Francess Henry gave the visiting Bearcats a seven-point lead with 15:03 left.

Three minutes later, Jessica Duleba hit a 3-pointer for a nine point lead (39-30), but the Dutchmen slowly battled back and tied the game at 43 with 7:00 minutes remaining.

The game, as expected between two ranked teams, continued close the rest of the way with the two teams tied at 53 with one minute left.

Unfortunately, the Dutchmen scored the last six points in the final 26 seconds to walk off the court with the stunning victory.

The Dutchmen finished shooting 47.9 percent (23-48), while the Bearcats struggled at 37.7 percent (23-61).

Duleba finished her brilliant career with a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds. Sheridan Taylor scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Ulmer finished with 11 points and three 3-pointers.

Caitlin Bach led Lebanon Valley with 22 points.