Red Barons 2nd-Half Surge Proves Decisive

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College Men's Basketball team was at home Saturday afternoon in a Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup with the Red Barons of Corning Community College. The Lakers and Red Barons were neck-and-neck going into the halftime break, tied 36 apiece, however, the Red Barons 2nd-half surge proved decisive, coming away with a 80-71 victory.

Lakers Freshman Devon Payton (Rochester, N.Y./ Gates Chili) put on a show on the offensive end of the ball, scoring a game-high 32 points on an efficent 63% from the field, with 15 points coming from beyond-the-arc. Payton put on a dominant showing on the boards from the guard position, pulling in 7 on the game, while snagging 4 steals on defense. Teammate Jaisan Parker (Durham, N.C./ Bull City Prep) could not be stopped at the rim, converting an and-one layup early in the game to give the Lakers the momentum. Parker poured in 13 points, along with 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

Sophomore Ben Waterman (Savannah, N.Y.) played an overall game, adding in 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block. Teammate CJ James (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) was a force in the paint for the Lakers, blocking a game-high 4 shots, while scoring 2 points, dishing out 2 assists and pulling in 10 rebounds in the process. Paxton Creek (Kalagoorie, Australia/ Eastern Goldfields) came off the bench and sunk three 3-pointers, while going 1-2 from the line, good for 10 points. 

The Lakers return to action Monday night in a Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup with the SUNY Broome Hornets on the Lakers home court.