CANANDAIGUA – The home team Lakers owned the first half on Saturday, but the Raiders forged a fabulous comeback in the second 20 minutes. The game was tied with 2:30 to play, but Finger Lakes CC scored the final points and won the matchup.

The game was the final contest of the semester for both teams. The FM Five made the lengthy bus trip to the north end of Lake Canandaigua and played a game to remember. The loss left a bitter taste in the Raiders' mouths, but their comeback was a basketball gem.

Photo:  Kadeem Stanislas shoots

Khaleeq Baum's jumper was the game's first tally, but the Lakers quickly matched that field goal and then sank two quick shots from three-point territory. They went on to shoot five treys in the first half.

Carlos Rivera scored, and Kadeem Stanislas drained a three from the left side. The home team still led by three. The Lakers increased their lead by doing an excellent job of blocking shots, stealing the ball, and intercepting passes.

Photo:  Carlos Rivera goes to the rim

Two more threes gave the Lakers an 18-7 lead. They maintained that lead for most of the first half. The Raiders adjusted and took care of the first order of business, which was stopping FLCC from increasing their lead. Still, despite some fine efforts – such as eight points from Bryant Jack, a Darius Ward three, a Carlos Rivera putback of a Kenny Barr shot, and a three-point play by Stanislas – the halftime score showed the Lakers ahead 41-32.

The second half began. Baum's two free throws and a Stanislas trey cut Finger Lakes' lead to seven. Ward's beautiful drive made it 44-39, and the great comeback was under way.

Ward sank a three from the right side. Baum powered his way to the rim for two. 48-44.

Baum sent a sweet bounce pass to Rivera for a fadeaway two. Stanislas sank a three from the right side. FM trailed by just three points. Ward found Barr inside, and Barr laid it in. The Lakers till led 54-51.

Photo:  Darius Ward scores a great two-pointer

Jack sank a pair of free throws. 56-53. Ward got the ball in the left corner and drained a three-pointer. The Raiders had trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half but had come all the way back to tie the game at 56-56 with a couple of minutes left. It was a comeback that the team and fans should never forget.

The Lakers may have been stunned, but they kept their focus. The home team scored six more points while stopping the visitors from scoring. The Lakers deserve much credit for the win, and the Raiders deserve great credit for their comeback.

Click here for video highlights of the Raiders' comeback.

FM now begins their holiday hiatus and will resume play on Thursday, January 9, hosting Herkimer CCC. Tip time is 7:00 p.m.

                           C.J. Bonny, website writer

Scoring:

FM   Barr 5, Rivera 6, Stanislas 11, Baum 11, Jack 9, Ward 12, T. Davis 2; Total 56

FLCC   Cesar 5, Verkey 12, Bullock 17, Edwards 8, Arberry 15, Hyde 5; Total 62