BRONX, N.Y. – The Lehman College men's basketball team played hard to the end, but could not overcome the visiting #25 Colorado College Tigers on Saturday afternoon, falling 82-75, in double overtime. The game is part of the 7th Lehman College Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Classic, held today and tomorrow in the APEX at Lehman College.
The Tigers are currently ranked #25 in the latest D3Hoops.com national poll.
The Lightning got off to a strong start in the first half, and built a 33-22 lead after 20 minutes of play. CC struggled early, shooting 26.7% from the floor against a tenacious Lehman College defense. Lehman led by as many as 14 points in that first half, behind 12 points from junior Jerrome Jones (Bronx, N.Y./Mt. Vernon)
The second half was a different story, as CC used a 10-0 run to tighten the game. Lehman, however, continued to hold the lead until the Tigers made a layup with 4:30 to go, at 57-55. But Lehman senior guard Kelvin Gil (Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman) drained a three-pointer on Lehman's next possession as the Lightning regained the lead. The teams traded baskets, as Lehman maintained a tenuous three point lead with 1:27 to play, on a pair of free throws by Jones. CC made three free throws of their own down the stretch to send the game into the first overtime, tied at 62.
The Lightning jumped out to a four-point lead early in the first bonus stanza, with junior Jonathan Greenfield (Hartford, Conn./Windsor) and Jones scoring in the first minute. Lehman would lead by as many as five points, at 71-66, with 1:31 to play, on a Greenfield free throw. But a three pointer and jumper by CC tied the score. Gil had a good look at the basket with one second remaining, but could not connect from downtown, and a second extra period loomed on the horizon.
From there, Colorado College burst out to a seven point lead early in the second overtime, and held on for the win.
For the game, Jones led all scorers with 30 points, making 13 of his 27 shots on the day. Senior guard Stanley Stephens (New York, N.Y./Manhattan Center) and Greenfield each added 13 points. Junior Kevan Proctor (Brooklyn, N.Y./Grand Street Campus) was a beast defensively, grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking six shots.
Lehman will host Rutgers-Camden on Sunday, December 29, at 4:00 p.m.