JOHNSTOWN – The Raiders led visiting Tompkins Cortland CC ("TC3") with 4:46 left to play, but a late surge by the Panthers gave the visitors the win 86-79 on Saturday afternoon.

A large and loud crowd was on hand to cheer the Raiders on. Reggie, the FM mascot, added to the festivity.

The Raiders took the lead early in the second half, and they held the lead late in the game, but could not cash in on their scoring opportunities down the stretch.

Photo:  FM's Raheem Small is fouled early in the game

The entire game was fast paced and hard fought. It was also well played and was either team's game to win until the final minute.

Marquis Edwards got the scoring started with the game's first field goal – a sweet three from the left side. Jonathan Brioso added a three-point play, and FM led 6-2.

TC3 moved into the lead and held it for most of the first half. Kyle Giddings netted two free throws to tie the contest at 26-26, but the Panthers left the court with a 42-36 lead at the break.

Photo:  Marquis Edwards scores the game's first points

Brioso sent Edwards on a breakaway early in the second stanza, and FM regained the lead 45-44. TC3 grabbed the lead again, but Tyrone Davis fed Brioso, who scored and put FM on top 67-66.

The cheering and enthusiasm of the FM faithful electrified the Raiders Den and kept the home side pumped up. Davis went to the line and sank two FTs. FM led 71-69 with 4:46 on the clock, but the Panthers retook the lead. Jordan Stewart hit from behind the arc with 35 seconds left to close the gap to 79-76, but TC3 prevailed in that final half-minute.

The Raiders are now 1-2 in the young season. They will strive to even their record today when they host the Hornets of SUNY Broome (3-1) at 3:00 p.m.

              C.J. Bonny, website writer

FM Scoring:  Stewart 12, Akinmola 5, Randolph 8, Darnley 9, Dukes 5, Giddings 8, Edwards 10, Small 3, Brioso 9, Davis 10; Total 79

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