Lakers Open MSAC Play With a Win

DRYDEN, NY -- Kievonn Banks scored a career-high 33 points to lead Finger Lakes to a 97-67 victory over Tompkins Cortland Community College in Men's Basketball. The Lakers are now 12-2 on the season and 9-2 in regional play. The win was also the first of the Lakers' Mid-State Athletic Conference schedule.

Finger Lakes got out to one of the fastest starts possible, scoring three seconds into the game. Torry Wright won the tip directly to Brandon Bullock who made the layup. Dylan Verkey made a pair of early threes and Finger Lakes led 12-1 five minutes in. Tompkins Cortland answered and made it an eight point game, 18-10 with 9:30 left to play. The Lakers would grow the lead back to 15 points thanks to an 11-4 run over the next 2:30. The Panthers closed the lead down to six points with a minute remaining in the half. Finger Lakes took the 40-34 lead into the break.

Brandon Bullock led the way with 13 points for Finger Lakes. Kievonn Banks had 11 for the Lakers and four steals. 

Tompkins Cortland hit their opening three pointer of the half to narrow the margin to three points. The Lakers would respond however. Kievonn Banks made a layup to make it a 12 point game, 55-43, six minutes into the second half. Junior Sims found Tahaij Lewis a minute later to continue to grow the Lakers lead. A Kievonn Banks three would push the lead to 20 with 7:30 left to play. Finger Lakes continued on to the 97-67 victory.

Banks' 33 points was a new career-high. He also had nine rebounds and a career-high 7 steals for the Lakers. Brandon Bullock had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Dylan Verkey made four three pointers and scored 14 total points. Tahaij Lewis finished with six points, five rebounds, and five blocks for the Lakers.

Finger Lakes will return home on Thursday to face SUNY Broome Community College. Tipoff against the Hornets is set for 7pm.