Bearcats Defeat Lehman on New Jersey Nets NBA Court, Stay Undefeated in CUNYAC

Folashade Akinderecorded a double-double (19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals) to lead the Baruch Bearcats to a 71-57 victory over the Lightning of Lehman College on Monday afternoon at the Prudential Center Arena in Newark, New Jersey.

The CUNYAC contest was tightly contested (8 ties, 7 lead changes) with Lehman (10-8, 4-4 CUNYAC) leading 31-30 at halftime, but the Bearcats (15-4, 8-0 CUNYAC) broke open the game late in the second half by out-scoring the Lightning 23-11 over the final 11 minutes to record the victory on the NBA home court of the New Jersey Nets in a rare Monday afternoon date.

Karyn Purcellhad a solid game off the bench with a career-high 16 points (4-7, 3fg) and four assists in 24 minutes of action. Maria Turner(6 points, 11 rebounds) and Shamika Boyce(12 rebounds, 1 block) contributed significantly on the defensive end.

Monique Salmonhad another solid all-around effort with 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Camille Voitotfinished with 11 points and four steals.

Louvinia Hayes led the Lightning with 16 points and five rebounds. Jaleesa Gordon had a double-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Overall, Lehman shot 33 percent (24-73) and only 3-of-17 from three-point range, while Baruch shot 38 percent (23-61) and 6-of-18 from three-point range.

The two teams started the game by trying to adapt to the larger environment of an arena that plays host to NBA and Big East (Seton Hall) basketball games, but were able to quickly get comfortable with the rims and surroundings as the two teams eventually combined for 61 first half points. 

The two teams stayed at the Prudential Center to watch the NBA regular season contest later in the evening between the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The women's basketball team will return to action on Wednesday, January 26, with a 6:00 pm CUNYAC contest at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn.