New York, N.Y. – Gian Batista scored a career-high 34 points to lead the Lehman College men's basketball team to a 117-104 CUNYAC victory against hosts Hunter College at the Sportsplex on Friday evening.  The Lightning improve to an 8-1 overall record and 2-0 in CUNYAC, while the Hawks fall to 4-6 mark and 1-1 in conference play.
 
Following a three-week pause, the Lightning didn't miss a beat on the basketball court on Friday as they jumped out to a 65-55 lead at the intermission, thanks to 63 percent shooting from the field.
 
In the second half, the Hawks staged a comeback with a 36 to 24 run and took a 91-89 lead with 7:30 remaining, however the Lightning regained the advantage (92-91) after Isaiah Geathers hit a three-pointer 15 second later.
 
A minute later, Hunter once again had the edge, 94-93, however Batista answered with consecutive free throws to giving Lehman a one-point lead (95-94).  The Lightning wouldn't trail the rest of the game as they out scored the Hawks 22 to 10 for their sixth consecutive victory of the season.
 
Along with Batista, four more Lehman players scored in double figures on Friday.  Geathers had 20, while Juan Fernandez added a career-high 19 points and Will Feldman notched 13.  Meanwhile, Keith Karen also had a Lightning-best 12 points.
 
The 117 points is also the most points by Lehman since January 13, 2018, when it defeated University of Valley Forge, 108-82.
 
The Lightning return to action at The APEX Main Gym on Monday when they take on CCNY in a CUNYAC match-up at 5 pm ET.