Lightning Fizzles at Comfort Inn Holiday Tourney

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Box Score 2

Dec. 30, 2011
By Nailean Arzu

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.- The Lightning continued to stretch its losing streak Friday dropping a pair of non-conference matches at the first annual Comfort Inn Holiday Classic at Centenary College. Falling to the Montclair State University Red Hawks 90-53 and to the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) Bears 67-61, the Lightning is now 5-6.

Lehman's Mathias Raggiotto led the team scoring in double digits (17 points) and grabbing the most boards (9 rebounds) but it still wasn't enough to stop the Lightning from trailing behind the Red Hawks the entire game. Montclair managed to have multiple players score in double figures all while maintaining a 49.3 shooting percentage and holding the Lightning to 27.8.

The Red Hawks were led by Andrew August who recorded a game-high of 23 points (5-6 FT), five rebounds and six blocks. Aaron Williams and Daniel Singleton recorded 12 points a piece.

Despite the loss the Lightning forced 17 turnovers out of Montclair and recorded more offensive rebounds (22-11). Junior guard Dwight Nangle and George Nimmons both tallied seven points each.

Lehman sought redemption in the consolation game against St Joseph's College, maintaining a lead (as much as 14-points) over the Bears most of the first half. A timeout called by Lehman provided an opportunity for the Bears to heat up and come back revamped in trying to minimize the Lightning's lead. That they did, closing the first half tied at 33.

Two shots from downtown by sophomore guard Kelvin Gil and a quick layup by Patryk Odedina helped the Lightning regain the lead after the half. It was the Bear's David Louison that tied the game again at 48 at the 12:26 mark with a layup and a free throw off a foul. The game remained close throughout, with St. Joseph's holding on for the win.

Raggiotto recorded a double-double with a team-high of 20 points and 14 rebounds, earning him All-Tournament team honors. Nimmons and Gil netted 14 points each for the game.

Louison also tallied a double-double with a game-high 31 points and 12 rebounds. Justin Gist also netted an impressive 14 points and seven rebounds.

The Lightning will return to action right after the New Year to face SUNY Maritime. Tip-off will begin at 6:00 p.m.

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