JOHNSTOWN – It was a very close game, and the Raiders had the chance to tie it in the final minute, but the Spartans of Cayuga CC earned a 78-73 win in the Raiders Den on Saturday afternoon.
An enthusiastic crowd was on hand for the veterans appreciation game. Veterans enjoyed free admission and were given handsome t-shirts. An American Legion color guard presented the American flag for the national anthem. The Raiderettes dance team performed at half time. In all, it was a fine day for Raider fans except for the final score.
Photo: FM's Darius Ward scores – also pictured, Cayuga's #11, Zaki Thomas led all scorers with 27 points
The game got going, and the teams were playing on even terms. The lead was changing hands. Kadeem Stanislas sank a three-pointer, and FM led 8-6. Darius Ward hit for a three from the right corner. 11-6. Carlos Rivera grabbed a rebound and scored. FM led 17-12, but soon Cayuga closed to 17-16.
Marquis Edwards scored from beyond the arc, and FM was up 22-16. The Spartans responded. Soon the score was 24-24. Both teams were playing hard. The fans were seeing a lot of athleticism and effort.
Photo: The American Legion color guard presented the flag
As the half continued, the visitors seemed to have a slightly better knack for interceptions and quick transitions. Cayuga led 39-36 at the break.
The Raiders opened the second half with good effort. Kenny Barr hit a three from the left corner, and the score was 44-44. Barr then intercepted a pass, drew a shooting foul, and sank both FTs. FM led 46-44. A Rivera power drive and two free throws by Stanislas put the Raiders ahead 51-46, but 15 minutes of basketball remained. The Spartans were able to make the most of it.
Bryant Jack put back a rebound. 59-59. But the visitors then jumped out to a 68-61 lead.
With 2:05 to play, Barr sank two FTs. FM trailed 74-73. The closing minutes were tense, and FM created chances to score, but could not do so. The final score was 78-73. The loss dropped FM to 1-2 on the season.
The Raiders will dive right back into the fray on Sunday afternoon when they host Onondaga CC. OCC brings a 3-3 record to the contest. The Lazers defeated Schenectady CCC 82-69 while FM was playing Cayuga. Tip time for the Sunday game, which will start soon after the women's game, is approximately 3:00 p.m.
C.J. Bonny, website writer
Scoring:
Cayuga: Amalu 3, Taggart 14, Thomas 27, Johnson 2, Godette 13, Guity 14, Rufus 1, Morris 4; Total 78
FM: Barr 17, Simmons 6, Jack 10, Rivera 9, Ward 7, Edwards 5, Stanislas 12, T. Davis 2, Baum 5; Total 73
