HUDSON – The Columbia-Greene Twins hosted the Raiders on Saturday in the final game of the season for both teams. The home team had plenty of support from their fans in the stands, and the team did not disappoint. The Twins held off a second-half comeback by FM and won the game 73-69.

Just three days earlier, the FM Five had played a strong game and earned an 83-80 victory at Hudson Valley, but on Saturday the Raiders could not get their game in gear during the first 20 minutes. Turnovers, less than average success shooting from the floor, and plenty of hustle by the Twins allowed the hosts to leave the floor with a 39-29 lead at the break.

Photo:  Kenny Barr drives for the hoop early in the game

The second half had a very different story. A nice spinning jumper by Kadeem Stanislas, a sprint-and-score by Marquis Edwards, a long pullup two by Stanislas, and a nicely banked shot by Khaleeq Baum quickly brought FM within three points of the Twins, at 40-37.

Columbia-Greene, however, managed to stay in front the rest of the way. They stretched their lead to 58-45, but the Raiders responded and charged back again. Stanislas got the team within five, at 58-53. Barr stole the ball and sprinted in for two. 60-57. And with only 21.8 seconds remaining, Edwards sank another three-pointer – this one an all-netter from the left corner – and the Twins' lead was just 70-69. But the Green & Gold did what they had to and won the game 73-69.

Photo: Marquis Edwards drains a three in the opening minutes

The Raiders had some impressive wins this season, including their 90-86 win in overtime at Jefferson and their overtime win over highly-ranked Herkimer on Herkimer's home hardwood. Most of their losses were close games. FM lost to top-ranked Delhi earlier this month, but the Broncos had to work very hard for their eight-point win. The Raiders will have plenty of positive memories to take into the offseason.

                       C.J. Bonny, website writer

You can access video highlights via the men's basketball Multimedia page or by clicking here.

Scoring: 

FM:  Barr 14, Simmons 6, Rivera 7, Edwards 12, Stanislas 17, T. Davis 4, Baum 7, Giddings 2; Total 69

C-G:  Thompson 19, Carvalho 10, Paul 13, Arcuri 13, Bligen 2, Spohler 6, Hoose 10; Total 73

Halftime:  39-29 C-G

Photo:  Carlos Rivera nails a three-pointer late in the first half

 

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