CCNY’S BEST LAID PLANS GO AWRY-Lehman’s Geathers Isn’t Stopped in Semifinal as CCNY Falls

CCNY Beavers coach Spencer Boateng devised what seemed like a foolproof plan to defeat Lehman in Tuesday night’s City University of New York Athletic Conference men’s basketball semifinal: stop CUNYAC Player of the Year Isaiah Geathers of the Lightning.

The plan didn’t come together at Lehman’s Apex Arena. Geathers scored 26 points to go with six rebounds and the Beavers came up just short of a championship game appearance, losing 85-70.

At the pre-game shoot around, Boateng explained his game plan. “He gave us some trouble [last matchup] because of his physicality, and his shooting, and the way he gets to the free throw line,” he said “So we definitely want to key in on him and keep our guys out of foul trouble.

“The other piece is, [Lehman does] a really good job of rebounding so we want to match that intensity on the boards,” he added.

CCNY kept Geathers silent for the first five minutes, limiting him to one assist to start the night. But with 14:30 left in the first half, Geathers took over the game.

In a matter of about seven minutes, Geathers scored 13 of his 17 first-half points and the lead grew to 33-18. The other part of coach Boateng’s game plan worked out: CCNY won the rebounding battle 40-37.

After the game, Geathers spoke on what seemed like an unstoppable performance.

“Playing the full 40 [minutes]wasn’t a doubt for me,” he said. “You know, I was willing to do whatever it takes to get the win for my teammates.”

Geathers has a chance to cap off his senior year with a ring and a win against Baruch College this Friday in the championship game. Baruch sent him and Lehman home in last year’s championship game.