DRYDEN – The FM Raiders and the Tompkins Cortland CC ("TC3") Panthers played on even terms for the first 20 minutes on Saturday afternoon, but then the home team dominated play in the second half and won 93-78. The game was the season opener for FM, but it was the third contest of the season for TC3.

Photo:  Bryant Jack powers his way for two and a foul – he sank the FT

Both teams played a high-energy game from the opening tipoff. The Panthers took an early lead of 8-2, but the Raiders fought back. Field goals by Bryant Jack and Kadeem Stanislas, and two three-pointers by Kenny Barr, got the visiting Raiders close. Then a free throw by Jack tied the contest at 15-15.

Barr put in a rebound, and then Carlos Rivera fed Barr for another two. FM led 19-15.

The Panthers took the lead at 22-21 and stretched it to 25-21. Jack then brought the visitors almost even with a great play, pictured above. He used power and skill to fight through resistance and score while being fouled. He sank the free throw, and FM trailed by only one point at the 10-minute mark, 25-24. The first quarter of the game had been played at a 100-point pace.

Photo:  Kenny Barr drives for the hoop

But just as it seemed that the Raiders might take control of the game, TC3's squad executed several skillful steals. The home team led 33-27.

The Raiders never quit. Again it was Bryant Jack who closed the deficit to 38-36. Jack also made it 41-40 after scoring on a nice inbounds pass.

It looked as if the score would be about even at the break, but the Panthers hit a buzzer-beater three from the right side. The home team led 45-41 at the half.

The Raiders came out strong and grabbed the lead early in the second stanza. Barr's three from the left corner put FM ahead 50-48. Darius Ward's two made it 52-50 in FM's favor. But then the Panthers elevated their game.

Several TC3 steals and some cold shooting by the blue-shirted visitors soon saw the Panthers leading 75-60. The Raiders kept up their intensity, but TC3 had taken control.

Photo:  Kadeem Stanislas netted a dozen points on the night

A layup by Ward and a jumper by Tyrone Davis closed out the scoring for FM. The final score was 93-78.

The 0-1 Raiders will continue their Southern Tier weekend with a 3:00 p.m. game at Broome CC on Sunday. The Hornets will bring their 3-0 record to their home hive.

                         C.J. Bonny, website writer

Scoring:

FM:  Barr 16, Jack 23, Ward 18, Edwards 2, Stanislas 12, T. Davis 2, Baum 3, Giddings 2; Total 78

TC3:  Redden 7, Smith 14, Lyles 27, Hajnoczi 15, Squires 3, Mills 9, Johnson 4, Nance 14; Total 93