NEW YORK, N.Y. – Paced by reigning NCAC Player of the Week Ryan Stanko, three Allegheny players scored in double figures as the Gators silenced the City College of New York (CCNY), 72-63, in the teams' first-ever meeting on Saturday at Nat Holman Gymnasium. Early in the victory, senior Devone McLeod became the 25th player in Allegheny history to surpass 1,000 career points.

CCNY showcased outstanding resiliency, repeatedly slicing into double-figure deficits, although the Beavers never once manufactured a go-ahead score. Leading 61-56 with just over four minutes left in regulation, Allegheny sophomore Josh Valentic stretched the advantage to seven with a lay-up while Stanko delivered a dagger with a three on the next possession to effectively end the battle.

A jumper by McLeod with 11 minutes left in the second half moved the Gators in front, 52-39, but CCNY orchestrated a 10-1 run over the next two-plus minutes to reduce the margin to a single possession.  Over the next two minutes, Allegheny once again swelled the advantage to double digits, only to give six straight points back to the Beavers in setting up the finish.

Stanko paced all players with 19 points, including a 5-of-10 clip from three-point range. Valentic enjoyed a break-out performance donning the Blue and Gold, finishing with a season-best 16 points and four assists. McLeod rounded out the Gators' top scoring contingent with 14 points and a game-high three steals.

In addition, forward Bobby Theiss tied a career high with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Clark Tritto chipped in seven points, 10 boards, three blocks and two steals.

Twice during the first half, Allegheny built a lead of eight points, although the Beavers responded with quick runs to reduce the deficit to one possession.

McLeod ended the first 20 minutes of action with a steal and a fast-break lay-up as the Gators went into the break ahead, 33-27.