Lehman Second Half Rally Secures Victory and Regular Season Title

Box Score

Bronx, NY – The Lightning (18-7:12-4) prevailed 99-88 over the College of Staten Island (18-7:11-5) as the four Lehman seniors, Jobse Reyes, Olu Williams, Chaun Miller and Olando Minott were sent off to a victory by underclassman Andrew Utate as the Mt. St. Michaels Academy graduate obliterated his career high with 36 points. The Lightning honored the four seniors as part of a pre-game ceremony.

By virtue of the victory, the Lightning have earned the number one seed in the CUNYAC post-season tournament and the regular season title. It is the first time since 2012 that Lehman has been crowned with the regular season title. This is the seventh title that the Lightning have claimed on the hardwood.

The Lightning were down 10, 53-43 at the half and jumped all over the Dolphins in the final period. Lehman scored 12 straight points to open the scoring in the second half. However, the Dolphins rallied to go back up by six. Trailing by five with just over 12 minutes to play Lehman went on a 16-0 run to take control of the contest. Utate scored 14 of the 16 points during the spurt. The Dolphins were able to get the deficit to six but could not get any closer. Lehman outscored CSI 56-35 in the second half.

For Lehman, Chaun Miller tallied 22 points and seven rebounds while Olando Minott added 13 points and eight rebounds. John Brens chipped in 10 points while dishing out 10 assists.

Will Fonseca led five Dolphins in double figures with 20 points while grabbing 14 rebounds. Frank Schettino also netted 20 points.

The new play-off system means that the Lightning will jump to the semi-finals on Tuesday, February 23 against an opponent to be determined. The semi-finals and finals will be contested at Nat Holman Gymnasium on the campus of CCNY. As the number one seed the Lightning will play at 6:00 pm on the 23rd.

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Players Mentioned

#12 John Brens: G; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#15 Chaun Miller: F; 6' 4"; Senior

#11 Olando Minott: G; 6' 0"; Senior

#23 Jobse Reyes: F; 6' 2"; Senior

#31 Andrew Utate: G; 6' 2"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#12 John Brens
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: G

#15 Chaun Miller
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F

#11 Olando Minott
: 6' 0"; Senior
: G

#23 Jobse Reyes
: 6' 2"; Senior
: F

#31 Andrew Utate
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: G