PATCHOGUE, NY – Men's Basketball wrapped up 2025 at St. Joseph's – Long Island, falling to the Golden Eagles narrowly, 80-76.
 
The Highlanders had a strong start, opening on a 13-2 run ending with a dunk from graduate guard Jaylon Simpson (Atlanta, GA / Belmont Abbey). Three triples from St. Joseph's – Long Island (5-5 / 1-0 SKYLINE) cut the lead to one. With free throws holding onto the lead briefly, the Golden Eagles took the lead on another three, with two more quickly following to extend the lead to nine as the first half was winding down. Graduate guard Corey Baldwin (Henderson, NC / Averett) hit a pair of threes to end the frame, holding the deficit to eight.
 
Three-point shooting for the Golden Eagles continued to begin the second stanza, knocking down three more to push the advantage as far as 21. Simpson and fifth year guard Jonathan Desir (Feasterville, PA / Neshaminy) each hit a deep shot to narrow the lead to thirteen. Cairn (9-4 / 2-0 UNITED EAST) began to gain some ground behind three free throws from Baldwin and a three by classmate Byron Gaskins (Woodbridge, VA / Carlow) who hit a three for his 1,000^th career point. Simpson added a three followed by three free throws, cutting the lead to single digits. He then narrowed the lead to four, stealing the ball for a fastbreak layup. St. Joseph's shot well from the free throw line, keeping them ahead by more than two possessions, holding off the Highlanders, 80-76.
 
Baldwin had a 25-point game with five threes and nine boards. Simpson added 15 while Gaskins was the third Highlander in double-figures with 10, including his 1,000^th point.
 
Cairn will host Penn St. Lehigh Valley on Monday to kick off the new year at 1 p.m.