CSI Downs Lehman In Men's Basketball Action

Staten Island, NY- The College of Staten Island Men's Basketball team (9-12 Overall, 6-4 CUNYAC) picked up a hard-fought conference victory, defeating the Lehman College Lightning (6-15 Overall, 3-7 CUNYAC) by a score of 70-64 Wednesday evening at the Sports and Recreation Center in Willowbrook, NY.

The first half turned out to be a seesaw battle between the two squads, as the period included 10 lead changes and two ties. As the teams headed into the locker room at halftime, the Dolphins held a three point advantage, 34-31. Junior forward Gari Blackett paced the Dolphins with a strong first half, dropping in six points to go along with eight rebounds. Freshman guard Christian Montervino turned in his best first half of the season, scoring eight points to go along with two rebounds. Junior guard Robert Mesjasz had seven first half points to go along with six rebounds, and freshman guard Kyle Yocum dished six assists. For the Lightning, senior guard Kyle Lockett torched CSI for 19 first half points on 7-of-11 shooting.

The Lightning started the second half connecting on all cylinders, outscoring CSI 21-9 throughout the period's first nine minutes and taking a 52-43 lead with 11:19 remaining in the game. From there, the Dolphins would begin to chip away, going on a 7-0 run in the ensuing minute and a half, thanks to a laup by Blackett, a trey by Montervino, and two free throws from Mesjasz. CSI kept things close, and eventually took the lead, 59-58, thanks to a Blackett layup with 4:45 remaining. The Lightning, in what would be their final lead of the contest, regained a one-point advantage thanks to a 12 foot jumper by sophomore guard Duane Rhoden. Just 1:50 later, Montervino came through in a big way, knocking down a three-pointer to give CSI the lead for good. The Lightning would have numerous chances to tie or take the lead, as they trailed 66-64 with 48 seconds to go, but were unable to take advantage of two free throw misses by CSI, as they shot 0-2 from the floor during their next two !
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possessions. With Blackett heading to charity stripe for two free throws with four seconds remaining, he would sink the first shot, miss the second, grab his own rebound, and convert on a layup and an ensuing free-throw, putting the Dolphins up 70-64 and icing the game.

Blackett's strong performance was vital in CSI's victory as the junior out of Brooklyn College Academy sparked his squad with team highs in points with 19 and rebounds with 16. Montervino put forth his best effort of the season, scoring 14 points and tallying two steals. Senior guard Mike Jones netted 15 points and recorded three steals, Mesjasz dropped in 11 points and snatched seven rebounds, and Yocum dished a season-high 11 assists.

(Story courtesy of CSI Sports Information Dept.)