Can the Cardozo boys basketball team return to the PSAL finals? That seems to be the burning question surrounding the Judges ever since their loss to Lincoln to end last season at Madison Square Garden. Before they can make it back to MSG, however, there is regular season business to handle and their first league challenge came last night against Bayside.

The Judges defeated Bayside, 71-63, to extend their league winning streak against the Commodores to seven games and their overall league streak to 22 games. Both teams entered the contest undefeated (6-0) in league play and tied atop the Queens II-A Division.

The Judges outscored the Commodores 23-11 in the third quarter to go up 59-44 and held off Bayside in the final frame. Senior Victor Morris dropped in a team-high 22 points, including three three-pointers, and dished out eight assists. Drew Gladstone delivered 18 points and nine rebounds. And Devin Epps and Wesner Frederique each added 12 points for the Judges, who have topped 70 points in all their league games this season.

Cardozo jumped out early with a 22-10 advantage after the first quarter, but Bayside responded with a 23-point second to make it 36-33 at the half. Sophomore Justin Garvin led Bayside with 19 points and seven assists, while Patrick Hazel was a force inside with 17 points and 23 rebounds. Hazel helped the Commodores out-rebound the Judges, 36-26.

Both teams resume league play on January 5th. On that day, Cardozo hosts Thomas Edison and Bayside will host Francis Lewis.