Bronx, N.Y. – Gian Batista's second 'triple-double' of the season (31 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) led the Lehman College men's basketball team to an 80-76 victory against visiting Baruch College in a key conference encounter at The APEX Main Gym on Saturday afternoon.  The Lightning improve to an 18-3 overall ledger and 11-2 in CUNYAC play, while the Bearcats go to 17-6 mark and 11-2 in conference action.

After a back-and-forth first half, Lehman held a 38-37 edge over Baruch going into the intermission. 

The Bearcats clawed their way back into a 60-56 lead midway through the second half.

Batista, who scored 25 of his 31 points in the second stanza, paced the Lightning's comeback with a clutch jumper with less than three minutes remaining to give the home side a 70-69 lead following a 14 to 9 run.

After Batista dished out another assist and then hit a jumper with a minute remaining, Lehman took a 74-73 advantage. 

Baruch once again took the lead (75-74) with 30 seconds remaining, however, Batista answered notching pair of free-throws for Lehman's 76-75 advantage. 

Following a turnover by the Bearcats and then Batista scoring a free-throw, Lennox DeGrasse hit one of two free-throws for the Lightning as they took a 78-75 lead.

After Baruch cut the advantage to two points (78-76), Will Feldman, who had 12 points in the games, sealed the victory for Lehman with two more free-throws as eight seconds remained.

Also, during today's game, Isaiah Geathers scored 19 points for the Lightning which now ranks him second in Lehman's All-Time History Books for a total of 1,364.

The Lightning, who are currently tied for first-place in CUNYAC with the Bearcats, conclude conference play on Tuesday when they hosts Medgar Evers College at The APEX with tip-off set for 6 pm ET.