Box Score
Bronx, N.Y. -- The Lehman College men's basketball struggled with their shot early and a late rally fell short as they dropped a 61-56 decision to Castleton, Friday night in the final game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Holiday Shootout at the APEX Center.
For the Lightning (5-5),
Luis Hernandez led all scorers with 18 point along with six rebounds. He was named to the All-Tournament team for his outstanding two games of the tournament.
Jean Marcial added 10 points with three assists and four boards, while
Vince Young came off the bench with 10 points of his own.
The Spartans (7-2) were led by Chad Copeland who poured in a team-best 15 points with eight rebounds. Ben Mrowka added 13 points, including four three-pointers, while Casey Belade and Edmund Fitzgerald each scored nine. With his game-high five assists and two threes, guard Julian Santos earned an All-Tournament honor for the team.
In the first half, the Lightning had issues on the offensive side where they shot nearly 65% last night in their win vs. Thomas. At one point in the half, they were shooting under 20% as Castleton knocked down seven first-half threes. Lehman chipped away at the deficit by finishing the half at 31% and climbed back in contention as they went into break down 31-24.
The second half saw Lehman return to form, shooting 46.2% (12-for-26) in the stanza after trailing by double figures. The bench play of
Edwin Zorrilla (eight points, five boards) and Hernandez's play helped slice the lead down to one. Zorilla's jumper and a
Vince Young triple gave the Lightning their first lead of the game at 49-47 with 6:12 remaining.
Castleton responded with two straight threes from Copeland and Mrowka to go back up. Lehman would even the score again at 53 with four minutes remaining, but Mrowka's three and a Pavin Parrish jump shot moved them up 58-53. After two straight buckets from
Andrew Utate and Zorrila, a Copeland tip-in moved them up 60-56 with 52 seconds left. Utate's chance from long range was blocked by Copeland as the Spartans secured the win.
In the other game on the men's side, Stevens topped Thomas College in a close matchup 78-74 Friday afternoon. Tyheem Simon of Thomas and Evan Klimchak from Stevens were the two players in the early game named to the All-Tournament team
Up next for the Lightning is a doubleheader with the women's team against CUNYAC foe York (N.Y.) as they kick off the 2017 portion of the season January 4th in Queens. Tip time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
