The Men's Basketball team was locked in on Saturday afternoon as they hosted the Jefferson Cannoneers in the opening round of the Region 3 post-season tournament. The Raiders picked up an 83-78 victory to advance to the Region 3 Quarterfinals.
In the first half, both teams battled point for point. Joseph Rowback drilled a three to put FM ahead 15-12. Later in the quarter, Jefferson went on a 7-0 run to take the lead 29-26. Joey Ladipo hit a three at the end of the quarter, but The Raiders trailed 38-33.
Korey Greenland sparked a 10-2 run to start the second half and FMCC regained the lead, 43-42. With ten minutes remaining, Rowback put the home team up 59-57. Anderson Jones and Ladipo knocked down two big free throws each with two minutes remaining to go up, 76-69, but Jefferson answered with a 7-0 run.
In the final 30 seconds of the game, Ladipo came up big, scoring 7 points and securing the 83-78 win.
Ladipo led with 24 points and 8 rebounds. De'Vante Mateo had 19 points and Rowback with 18. Korey Greenland rounded out double-figure scoring with 10. Kory Bergh tallied 6 assists in the victory.
FMCC will now advance to the Region 3 Quarterfinals. The Raiders will travel to take on the #2 Onondaga Lazers on Tuesday, February 22nd.
