Box Score Bronx, NY - Lehman (7-2:4-0) held on to defeat nationally ranked Brooklyn (9-2:3-1) 80-77 in a key early season CUNYAC match-up. The victory gives the Lightning sole possession of first place in the CUNYAC.
A strong move to the basket by Olando Minott snapped a 77 all contest to put Lehman on top 79 -77 with seven seconds to play. The Lightning were then able to force a turnover and get the ball back two seconds later. John Brens was immediately fouled and hit one of two to give the Bulldogs hope but the outlet pass after Bren's missed second free throw went awry and the Lightning held on to win 80-77.
The Lehman defense forced 22 turnovers.
Lehman jumped out to a 15-4 lead four minutes into the game. Nursing a seven point advantage at 19-12, the Lightning would score six unanswered points to push the led to 25-12. But the Bulldogs, true to their nickname once again cut the lead to seven with just under eight minutes to play in the first half. However another Lehman spurt pushed the lead back up to 15 points before the Bulldogs hit a three pointer at the buzzer. The teams went into the locker room with Lehman owning a 37-25 lead.
The first eight minutes of the second half was all Lehman as the Lightning were able to extend the lead to 23, 59-36, after an Edwin Pascual layup. It would be the Lightning's largest lead of the night. But the Bulldogs showed their tenacity going on a 41-18 run to knot the game at 77, after a pair of Lorenzo Williams free throws with :21 seconds remaining. Lehman was led Minott and
Chaun Miller. Minott registered 21 points and nine rebounds.
Chaun Miller added 14 points and nine rebounds.
Lorenzo Williams and Egzon Gjonbalaj paced the Bulldogs with 22 points apiece. The duo also combined for 23 rebounds. The Bulldogs dominated the glass and owned a 58-35 rebounding advantage. The rebounding advantage also explains why the Bulldogs dominated with 22 second chance points.
With sub-par rebounding numbers the Lightning needed a big night shooting from the floor. Coach Steve Schulman's team responded by hitting 29 of 62 attempts.
The Lightning step out of conference play on Wednesday night as they travel to Yeshiva University. Tip-off in the Stern Athletic Center is at 8:00 PM.
