PLATTSBURGH – The Raiders made the long trip to Plattsburgh Thursday evening to take on the 12-3 Clinton CC Cougars. The FM Five played a strong game, but the Cougars prevailed 80-72.

FM jumped out to a 13-6 lead, but the Cougars clawed their way back. The first-half score was 39-37 in Clinton's favor.

Photo, from left:  Dondre Simmons, Kadeem Stanislas, and Khaleeq Baum defending

The Cougars opened the second half with a 10-4 run.  The Raiders never gave up, and they closed to 63-59 after Kadeem Stanislas and Kenny Barr both hit threes. Clinton went farther ahead, but Barr's steal-and-go made it 72-68. 

Stanislas fed Dondre Simmons for two, and FM trailed by just three points with 2:42 left. But the home team pulled away and won the contest 80-72.

Photo:  Khaleeq Baum wins the opening jump

Clinton has a tall forward, 6' 10" Mykelle Krecko (pictured), whose skill and height intimidate many teams. The Raiders were sufficiently successful in dealing with him. Krecko scored 15 points on the night. However, Cougar guard Bayron Carter had a huge game and scored 31 points for the Orange & Blue.

Clinton is now 13-3. FM is 4-9. The Raiders are back in action on Saturday for a womens-men's doubleheader with Hudson Valley at FM. The women's game starts at 1:00 p.m. with the men beginning around 3:00.

Clinton:  Carter 31, Davison 6, Hull 18, Ryan 6, Krecko 15, Lamboy 4; Total 80

FMCC:  Barr 29, Simmons 2, Rivera 4, Edwards 2, Stanislas 18, D. Davis 2, Baum 15; Total 72

Halftime:  39-37 Clinton