Usually teams that give up 24 offensive rebounds don't stand a chance of winning at any level of basketball.

Unless, of course, a majority of those rebounds continue to lead to additional missed shots.

Such was the case on Tuesday night in the Bronx as visiting University of Mary Washington shot a dismal 23 percent from the field in falling to the Lehman Lightning 58-51.

A great deal of credit for the Falcons' off night goes to Lehman's pressure defense. Although the Lightning didn't force its usual number of turnovers – Mary Washington turned it over 15 times, 13 fewer than the Lightning is forcing on the season – Lehman was active over the full area of the court in disrupting the Falcons' offensive flow. Combined with 36 first half points from the Lightning's Big Three of Louvinia Hayes, Amanda De La Cruz and Jaleesa Gordon, the hosts were able to build a 14-point lead, 35-21, heading to the halftime locker room.

Mary Washington head coach Deena Applebury must have said something to her squad during the break, however, as the Falcons showed a crisper attack and a willingness to make the extra pass to begin the second half. The result was a 14-0 run over the first 5:17, capped by Katie Wimmer's two free throws that forced a deadlock at 35-35.

Although Lehman bent, it did not break, instead producing an 8-1 run of its own behind four points a piece from Hayes and De La Cruz, to create some temporary breathing room. Temporary because the Falcons stormed right back on a three-pointer and layup by Rachel Martin, followed by Jenna McRae's trey to take the lead 45-44 with 6:10 remaining. For Mary Washington, it was the first lead since 11:03 showed on the first half clock.

Once again, the Lightning showed great resilience. De La Cruz scored eight of Lehman's next 12 points to help her team regain control and the lead. Mary Washington closed to within four points at 55-51 with 1:23 left, but three free throws by Hayes and a bit of keep away by the Lightning in its offensive end helped seal the win.

On the night, Hayes led both teams with 25 points and 15 rebounds while De La Cruz finished with 20 points, her second 20-plus point game in her last three. The Falcons were led by McRae, who finished with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.

For the Lightning, the win was even sweeter coming against a team ranked No. 14 in ESPN's Division III preseason poll and gives it something to build on as it takes an extended break for the Christmas holiday before returning to action on January 3rd against host Messiah College.