THROGGS NECK, N.Y.- Looks like the new year is starting off right for the Lehman Lightning men's basketball team as it gained its first victory of 2012 by defeating SUNY Maritime by the score of 73-65 Monday evening. The Lightning has ended its five-game losing streak and now has a 6-6 record on the season.

Lehman remained scoreless until the 16:44 mark of the first half but trailed very closely behind the Privateers for a majority of play as it fell behind by no more than seven points. At 9:35, two free throws by Mathias Raggiotto had the Lightning leading by one point but would be overturned by a layup by Maritime's Louie Lewis seconds later. Both teams would remain tied until the impressive steal by George Nimmons which aided Kelvin Gil's layup on a fast break with three minutes left on the clock. The Lightning then went on an 8-0 run ending the half up 36-26.

The Privateers found it hard to catch up as they were overpowered by the Lightning's defense in the second half. The Lightning out-rebounded Maritime 48-32, while holding them to 39.7 percent shooting and forcing them into 18 turnovers. Maritime was led by T-Vaughn Gibson (15 points) and Mike McSloy (11 points).

Junior forward Sebastian Pessoa tallied a game-high of 23 points (10-12 FG) and eight rebounds in 25 minutes of playing time. Ragiotto also contributed to the win, recording a double-double of 20 points and ten rebounds while teammate Gil also impressed, netting 13 points.

The Lightning will return to action on Wednesday as it travels to Brooklyn to face St. Joseph's College once again in a non-conference match. Game time is set for 7:30 pm.