After a month-long mid-semester break, the Men's Basketball team got back to work on the hardwood on Tuesday night. They opened the 2023 half of their season on the road at Cayuga Community College. The Raiders would come out on top, 76-65 and improve to 5-3 on the season.
Cayuga jumped out to an 11-8 lead to start the game. Jelani Moreno was able to make a jumper to go up 14-13 with 10 minutes remaining in the half. The Spartans dominated the offensive glass to take a 22-16 lead. De'Vante Mateo answered for the Raiders scoring six straight points off a stifling full court press to tie the score at 28.
Cayuga closed out the half on an 8-2 run to lead 38-30. Mateo led FMCC in the first half with 10 points.
In the second half, Nahjhime Kirton came out strong scoring 8 quick points and cut the deficit to 42-39. The Raiders defense turned things around quickly and Kennyh Hardeman put the Raiders, up 49-48.
The Raiders used a 14-2 run with ten minutes remaining to take the lead for good, 66-56. Mateo and company would manage the clock and free throw line down the stretch to secure the 76-65 victory.
Kirton led with 23 points, Mateo with 17, Moreno with 13 and Hardeman with 12 points. The Raiders will travel to SUNY Adirondack on Thursday, January 12th for a Conference Match-Up. The game is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m.
