Box Score
The Lehman College Men's basketball team (17-6 Overall, 9-2 CUNYAC) picked up a phenomenal victory, defeating the Hunter College Hawks (6-17 Overall, 4-7 CUNYAC) 79-65 Saturday afternoon on Alumni Day at the Apex Center in the Bronx. With nine conference wins, the Lightning are now guaranteed a home game in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 CUNYAC Men's Basketball Tournament, an event that will kick off on Sunday afternoon, February 22nd.
Prior to the start of the game, the Lehman College men's basketball team, as well as the Lehman College athletic department and Lightning fans were greeted by a special guest – the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. The Mayor talked with fans, players, coaches, and administrators, posed for pictures, and took a seat five rows deep into the stands to take in the entire game.
In addition to Mr. Bloomberg's arrival, the annual Alumni Day game took place. The team wearing blue colored jerseys consisted of Chris Bowman (03'), Greg Terry (06'), Jonathan Rojas (04'), Marc Domin (04'), Tiara Carroll (08'), Kimberly Kelly (08'), Ron Brown (75'), Vantroi Chapman (02'), Joe Cruz Jr. (01'), Gamba Thompson (08'), and Ivelisse Rosario (02'). The team wearing white colored jerseys consisted of Ted Herwitz, Dennis Kumnipa (01'), Kenny Calderon (08'), Shirley Arrieta (08'), Mike Patrick (03'), Pablo Pimentel (00'), Chris Diplan (07'), Austin Conyers (02'), Miguel Jorge (05'), and Terrence Shaw (02'). In a highly contested battle, the white team prevailed over the blue team by a score of 30-27.
Following the developments of the pregame, the Lehman College men's basketball team came out ready to play. The Lightning put forth a phenomanal performance as they were led by sophomore forward Jonathan DeJesus and senior center Alen Redzic who each tallied double-doubles with game-highs of 20 points and 12 rebounds, respectively. DeWitt Clinton High School product Duane Rhoden netted 13 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. In addition, senior guard Scottie Nimmons chipped in with 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists while tallying three steals. Following the game, Head Coach Steven Schulman gave his thoughts on the victory.
“There was a lot of juice in the building already based on the arrival of the Mayor and the excitement of the Alumni Game, so our team built off that energy with the energy that they bring each and every game, and that culminated into us putting together another 40-minute, hearty performance,” Schulman said. “I am so proud of the way our guys have played, and I hope that we continue putting forth these types of efforts in our final games and of course, in the playoffs.”
As a team, the Lightning connected on 46 percent of their shots while holding the Hawks to connect on only 36.5 percent of theirs. Lehman also dominated on the boards, out-rebounded the Hawks 50-26 while dishing 17 assists compared to the Hawks' 13.
Despite the loss for the Hunter College, senior guard Nicholas Flagg netted 16 points while grabbing three rebounds and dishing three assists. Freshman Mark Courtien netted 14 points (5-10 FG), and senior forward Frantz Millen scored 10 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals.
After the game completed, Redzic was presented with the Ed Kramer award for his terrific efforts on the afternoon. The award is presented on Alumni Day each year to an athlete who puts forth an outstanding performance on this day. The award honors the memory of Mr. Kramer who coached the Lehman College men's basketball team (the team was then known as the Lancers) to two consecutive CUNYAC championships back in 1974 and 1975.
The Lightning return to action on Wednesday evening as the team battles the York College Cardinals on Senior Night, with game-time scheduled for 8:00pm. Prior to the start of the game, the Lehman College athletic department as well as Steven Schulman and his assistants will take a few moments to honor six seniors (Duane Rhoden, Alen Redzic, Adam Manning, Michael Waite, Sebastien Szymkowiak, and Joseph Akingbade) for their dedication to the program during their time at Lehman.
