(Valhalla, NY) - When the Orange Community College Men's Basketball team defeated Westchester Community College on Dec. 6, it was considered a significant upset in Region XV play. However, heading into Thursday night's tilt at Westchester CC between the two teams, the Vikings were literally a different team. On Dec. 6, Westchester CC did not have Monte Lambert (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison HS) in the line-up. On Feb. 2, they did. The difference was beyond noticeable during a 101-85 win for the Vikings as Lambert scored 28 points - 19 coming during the second half - to go with six rebounds and three assists. With the win, Westchester improves to 15-7 overall, 3-2 in  Region XV play.

Orange (10-12, 2-3 Region XV) scored the game's opening basket only seven seconds in, but from there, Westchester scored five straight points, and never looked back, holding the lead for the final 39:53 en route to their fourth consecutive win.

Westchester held a 21-20 lead with 10:52 to play in the first half, but a Miles Haughton (Mamaroneck, NY/Mamaroneck HS) three-pointer extended the lead to 24-20, and Westchester ultimately went on a 15-4 run to put some distance between the teams. A Joe Zayer (West Nyack, NY/Clarkstown South HS) three pointer with 3:11 to play in the first half gave the Vikings a 46-31 lead, and Westchester CC took a 56-46 lead into halftime.

Orange did not go down quietly as the Colts made several second half runs, including one that made it an 89-84 game with 3:22 to play. However, the Vikings finished the game on an 11-2 run to put things away.

Haughton finished the game with 30 points - 18 of which came during the first half - to go with eight rebounds and three assists, while Zayer had 17 points - 15 coming during the first half - and a team-high five assists.

Westchester shot 49% - compared with a 35% night for Orange - and outrebounded the Colts 54-42.

Westchester Community College returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 12 when the Vikings host Rockland Community College for a 7:00 p.m. start. A Westchester win will clinch the #2 seed for the upcoming Region XV Championships for the Vikings.