BINGHAMTON – The FM Raiders won a terrific basketball game in Broome CC's Baldwin Gym on Sunday. Both teams played very well, but the Raiders earned the 89-88 victory by weathering the Hornets' final assault.
The win was FM's first in their season-opening weekend. The loss was Broome's first after posting wins in all of their previous three starts.
Photo: Kenny Barr scores after taking a feed from Bryant Jack
A good crowd was on hand to enjoy college basketball on a Sunday afternoon. The Broome faithful had already come to expect big things from the Hornets, and they were not disappointed in the early minutes. The swarming Hornets jumped out to an 8-2 lead, and before long they had stretched that lead to 20-10.
The Raiders were being outscored in that early going, but they were not being out-hustled. Also, Darius Ward and Kenny Barr were already showing signs that they were ready to do some serious scoring. The fans were watching two very fast, crafty teams play impressive basketball.
Head Coach Ed Collar's crew had to stop Broome's offense from increasing their lead. Collar adjusted the team's tactics, and Broome's lead began to shrink.
Photo: Kadeem Stanislas had a magnificent second half
Bryant Jack powered his way through traffic and set a soft shot into the basket. Ward was fouled while shooting and sank both free throws. Tyrone Davis hit a nice jumper, and Broome's lead was down to seven. Khaleeq Baum hit for three from the right corner. Carlos Rivera sank a long two-pointer. Ward hit for two and then drained a three. The Hornets' lead was down to three, at 36-33, with 3:20 left in the half.
Tyrone Davis' field goal put FM in front with 1:53 left, but Broome's long-range shooters were having a great day. In all, they sank an amazing 12 for 24 from behind the arc. The home team owned a 41-37 lead at the break.
Broome opened the second stanza with a field goal, but FM's Jack responded with another power-two that became a three-point play when he was fouled and sank the FT. Barr's basket brought FM within one, and Baum's bucket put FM in front 44-43. The Raiders had the lead, but there were 18 minutes remaining on the clock, and every minute was going to be filled with impressive, up-tempo play.
The Hornets flew out to another lead, but Ward's 15-foot jumper from the left side knotted the score at 48-48.
Kadeem Stanislas had been having a fine game, and he elevated his play in the second half. Stanislas' three-pointer from the left side gave FM a 51-50 lead.
Stanislas fed Ward for a sweet two and a 55-52 lead. Then sophomore Stanislas added a field goal. Ward sank a three, and Stanislas sank a long shot for two more. Tyrone Davis sent a crisp pass to Ward, who scored. FM was in front by 12 points: 64-52.
The Raiders had the lead, but Broome was also playing very well. FM's Jack forced his way up for two more. Jack then fed Barr, whose two-pointer kept FM's lead at 11 points.
Photo: Darius Ward led all scorers with 29 points
The Hornets cut that lead to five, but a Stanislas three from the center of the arc made it 80-72 with 3:01 left to play. Ward then sank a three from the right corner. 83-72.
Tyrone Davis was pulled down by a flagrant foul. His free throw gave FM an 84-72 lead with 1:42 on the clock. Then Broome began an amazing run in which they succeeded in almost everything they tried. Also, the Raiders missed a key scoring chance from close in. When only half a minute remained, FM's lead was 87-85.
Stanislas and Davis sank free throws. FM led 89-85. Then Broome sank yet another three-pointer. The score was 89-88 and 1.2 seconds remained. A Raider violation gave Broome the ball, but the Raiders' defense kept the Hornets from getting a good shot off. FM had won the remarkable game.
FM's next outing will be on Saturday, November 16, when they host Cayuga CC. The Lady Spartans and Lady Raiders will play at 1:00 p.m. FMCC will then have a special ceremony honoring veterans. The men's game will tip off around 3:00 p.m. It will be a busy weekend as the two Raiders' teams will play another doubleheader, hosting Onondaga CC, starting at 1:00 on Sunday afternoon.
C.J. Bonny, website writer
Scoring:
FM: Barr 9, Jack 11, Rivera 2, Ward 29, Stanislas 21, Tyrone Davis 10, Baum 5, Giddings 2; Total 89
Broome: Abdullah 19, Mushalla 9, D'Esti 10, Chatham 20, Edwards 18, Tilliston 12; Total 88
Records: FM 1-1, Broome 3-1