The Lehman College women’s basketball team lost the city college championship last week in heartbreaking fashion, falling 64-63 to nemesis Baruch College in a thrilling game decided on a controversial call in the final seconds.

With the win, Manhattan’s Baruch earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III national tournament. It was their third City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championship in four years.

The Lightning could still garner an at-large bid into the national tournament, but they will more likely be relegated to a less prestigious regional post-season tournament.

Lehman battled back from a 12-point second half deficit to take a two point lead with under a minute to play. But Baruch’s Karlee Whipple nailed an outside shot from the wing with 14 seconds left to tie it.

Play continued with Lehman superstar senior Sally Nnamani taking the ball down court and getting fouled on a shot attempt. But during a timeout called by Lehman coach Eric Harrison, the referees decided to review Whipple’s made shot using video. After several minutes of deliberation, they ruled Whipple’s shot a three-pointer, giving Baruch a one point lead with Nnamani on the line shooting two free throws.

The normally reliable Nnamani, one of CUNYAC’s best players, missed both free throws. The second miss deflected out of bounds off a Baruch player, giving Lehman one more shot to win it. But Nnamani’s final attempt at the buzzer, again, from around the free throw line, misfired.

Following the game, Harrison said the three-point call changed the “entire complexion of game.” Still, he was happy with his team’s effort. They “left it all on the court,” he said. “They showed heart, character and grit. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Ed. note: This article is based on a statement released by the Lehman College Athletic Department.