Wilmington, DE – Miles last second heroics lift Lightning to first conference win

Junior Guard Adrian Miles' 14 foot, left wing jump shot with 8.1 seconds remaining lifted the Lightning over cross-town rival Wilmington University by a final score of 74-73.  With the win, the Lightning earned their first CACC win of the season. 

Early on, the Wildcats of Wilmington University were able to gain the momentum and jumped out to a six-point lead on two separate occasions.  The last of the six point leads came with 13:17 left to play in the first half.  At this point, behind the efforts and strong play of Sophomore Ido Yehuda and Junior Steve Cooper, the Lightning were able to erase the Wildcat lead and eventually take the lead themselves when Cooper (10 points, 3 rebounds) hit a layup with 8:16 left to put the Lightning up 24-23.  From then on, the Lightning took command and built a seven-point cushion (43-36) into the locker room.

The Lightning picked up where they left off to start the second half, as they were able to score the first nine points to extend their lead to 16.  Over the next four minutes the Wildcats were able to cut the Lightning lead to five, as they went on a 15-4 run of their own.  After the Wildcat run, the game shifted gears into a back and forth affair.  With 10:24 left in the game the Wildcats tied the game at 59.  It was again tied at 61 with 9:30 left, after two free throw shots by Sophomore Sam McDuffie.   After an Adrian Miles jump shot with 2:07 left, put the Lightning up 72-68, the Wildcats went on a 5-0 run to take a one-point lead into the final seconds of the game.  It was at this point, where Miles (11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals) was at 'center stage'.  His jump shot with 8.1 seconds left gave the Lightning the 74-73 lead and eventual win, as a last second drive to the basket by the Wildcats fell short. 

Junior Kyle White led the Lightning with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.  Azeez Ellegood added his talents with 11 points and 3 assists.  The Lightning will next travel to Dominican College this Saturday, January 10, 2009 for the CACC tip-off.

Cannot make the game at Dominican?  Watch it on the web at www.CACC.tv