Future New Paltz opponents, take notice.

It's time to update last year's scouting reports when it comes to Hawks' guard/forward Matt Devine.

Last year's 4.2-point and 2.0-rebound per game player is no more, a fact that the Lehman Lightning found out on Friday evening in its first game of the Hamilton College Tournament.

Following up a 17-point effort in New Paltz's season opener, the 6-foot-5 sophomore played the game of his career posting 24 points – 18 in the second half – and 12 rebounds as the Hawks defeated Lehman 83-67.

Though noteworthy, Devine's outburst was not the reason for Lehman's loss, however, as 14 of his 18 second half points came during the half's first nine minutes. In fact, Lehman was very much in the game upon the conclusion of his barrage, only trailing 50-43.

Instead, it was a seven minute cold streak that was Lehman's undoing, during which the Hawks outscored the Lightning 20-8 to break open a four point game. After Alain De La Cruz's three-pointer closed the gap to 46-42 with 13:12 to play, the Lightning did not convert a field goal until Jonathan DeJesus's layup ended the drought with 6:07 remaining and the score 66-50. With New Paltz in the midst of a 69-percent shooting second half, the closest Lehman would get the rest of the way came on a three-pointer by Ratique Young that made the score 75-64 with 1:45 left.

Lehman's ill-timed string of misfires was surely disappointing to Coach Schulman and his team following a tight first half that had them trailing 30-28 at the break. Because of 10 points from junior Samuel Batista and a plus-4 edge on the glass, the Lightning was able to overcome 15 turnovers and remain in the game heading into the intermission. Coach Schulman's crew even took a two-point lead early in the second half on a three-pointer by De La Cruz, but that was the last time it found itself ahead.

Even more discouraging was the fact that the Lightning was able to hold Shereef Taylor, the Hawks' 2010 SUNYAC Second Team All-Star, in check. Taylor finished with 13 points on the night, but scored only five in the second half.

For the Lightning, DeJesus booked an impressive 22-point, 11-rebound night while De La Cruz finished with 16 points and six assists. Batista was held scoreless in the second half to finish with 10 points.

Lehman will play the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, a 91-79 loser to Hamilton College, in the consolation game scheduled to tip at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.