Box Score Bronx, N.Y. – The Lehman College men's basketball took a lead into halftime, but a cold streak of shooting caused them to lose the advantage as they fell to CUNYAC foe Staten Island, 84-71, Friday night at the APEX Center.
Leading the way for the Lightning (4-4, 2-2 CUNYAC) was
Andrew Utate, who paced five players in double figures with 20 points to go with five rebounds and two steals.
Damian Bellamy posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards, while
Jean Marcial added 14 points off the bench.
John Brens dished off seven assists with 10 points, while Edwin Pasquale chipped in with 10 points of his own in a losing cause.
The Dolphins (5-4, 4-0 CUNYAC) remained unbeaten in the CUNYAC thanks to guard Frank Schettino, who led all scorers with 27 points and also compiled nine assists and five steals. Kevon Murphy secured a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) while Khaleeq Baum (15) and Robert Rossiter (13) scored in double digits.
After connecting on a scorching 52.9% from the field (18-for-34) in the first half to grab a 44-38 lead, Lehman could not find the mark in the second only hitting 7-for-29 (24.1%). CSI would work their way back and tie the game at 50 with 15:07 left, and then would clamp down and only allow three points over the next seven minutes to move ahead 61-53.
The Lightning would fall behind by double figures, but would chip away at the deficit to single digits but could not battle all the way back as Staten Island would hit their free throws down the stretch to close out the win.
Lehman will seek to bounce back when they return to action Wednesday, hosting Yeshiva University at the APEX Center. Tip time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Live stats and streaming video will provided on the Lehman Athletics website.