Bronx, NY – The Lightning showed no ill effects of a two week lay-off as Lehman (9-2) defeated Western Connecticut (6-4) 80-74 in the opening round of the 9^th Annual Coaches vs Cancer Tournament.  The Lightning overcame a 36-31 halftime deficit by scoring the first 10 points of the second half and five minutes into the half the Lightning were up nine, 49-40.  The Lightning have now won their last eight. 

The Colonials were able to rally and take a brief one point advantage on two occasions midway through the final period but the Lightning would score six unanswered points in just over a minute to take a 68-63 lead with just under seven minutes to play.  It would be a lead they would not surrender. 

Olando Minott paced the Lightning with 22 points.  Meanwhile Chaun Miller and Niv Solomon each recorded a double double. Miller netted 18 points while grabbing 11 rebounds while Solomon was credited with 14 points and 11 rebounds.  It was Solomon's third double double of the season.  Andrew Utate came off the bench to tally 13 points. 

Phil Starks and Luis Bridtter led the Colonials with 21 and 18 points respectively. 

Lehman will move on to play Buffalo State in the championship game tomorrow at 6:00 PM  The Bengals prevailed over New Jersey City 119-116 in double overtime. The Colonials will face NJCU at 4:00 PM in the consolation game.