Bronx, N.Y.- The Hunter College men's basketball team traveled to Lehman College for a conference matchup on Wednesday evening. As the Hawks fell 67-63, the team dropped to 3-3 in the City University of New York Athletic Conference and 6-11 overall, while the Lightening remains undefeated in league play at 6-0 (6-11 overall).
Hunter got on the board first with a basket from Corey Jones Jr. in the opening minute and aside from back-to-back baskets from Lehman in response, the Hawks would lead for the remainder of the half, following a three from Jack Meyers at 16:05. The Purple and Gold silenced its opponent for a nine point run, taking their largest lead of the game at 11:44 when a pair of free throws by Luka Jakic gave Hunter a 13-4 edge. Lehman kept it close for the remainder of the period, cutting the Hawk's lead to 30-29 heading into halftime.
As the second half opened, Hunter retained its advantage, going up by as much as five until Lehman took its first lead since in opening minutes of play at 42-41 with 13:31 on the clock. Enzo Caceres-Roussel responded with a three to take back the lead briefly, as the two teams exchanged points evenly until the Lightening put together a 5-0 run to ta take control of the game. Hunter kept up with the hosts' pace, with Casey Meyers knocking down consecutive three point baskets but the team was unable to overcome the deficit and ultimately lost the 67-63 decision.
Despite being outshot from the field 43.3% to 39.3%, the Hawks managed an impressive 30% from beyond the arc, while holding Lehman to 20%. Hunter also grabbed 11 steals, aided by four from Casey Meyers and three from Gene Propper, to force 16 turnovers which the team converted for 13 points. The Hawks' bench made significant contributions with 19 total points, while the Lightening's starters scored all but nine of the team's points.
Jones Jr. and C. Meyers led Hunter's scoring, contributing 12 points each, while Jakic netted 10 and led the team with eight rebounds. Off the bench, Caceres-Roussel and Donovan Cola each tallied seven points
The Hawks continue conference play on Friday Jan. 19 as they host York College for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off.
