Men’s Basketball – Lakers Take Down Talented Team in Herkimer County
CANANDAIGUA – Facing an undefeated Herkimer County CC team on Tuesday night at Putt Moore Court, the FLCC Lakers, behind a tremendous team effort, notched a quality 60-56 home win over the visiting undefeated Generals. The Lakers (2-3), who altered Herkimer's record to 4-1 with the win, were led by Richard De La Cruz's game-high 18 points – 14 of which came in the first half.
All 12 Lakers who entered the game last night, both starters and reserves, scored at least 2 or more points. Finger Lakes received a balanced blend of scoring between its starting lineup and its reserves. FLCC's bench was responsible for 23 of its 60 points that stood on the scoreboard.
If you were in attendance for this contest, you were delivered an intriguing and exciting matchup all night long. In the games' first half, which consisted of the Lakers outscoring the Generals – 34-32 – what propelled the hosts to the halftime lead was the play of De La Cruz. In the first 20 minutes, the sophomore was a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc.
Despite De La Cruz's solid shooting in the first half, Herkimer kept the score close thanks to its shooting efforts as a team. Prior to intermission, the visitors shot 56% (14-25) from the field. The Lakers, in the first half, shot 39% (11-28) from the field.
The second half, similar to the first, consisted of another solid 20 minutes worth of basketball – on both teams parts. In it, FLCC would outscore Herkimer by just a hair – 26-24.
The Lakers defense stepped up in a loud way in the second half as it held the Generals to just 24% (8-33) shooting (from the field) during it. On the flip side, Herkimer's defense also played well in the second half. In it, it held the Lakers offense to just 9 made field goals on 28 shot attempts – which is equivalent to 32%.
Where the Lakers really answered the door on Tuesday was at the free throw line. On the night, they shot a robust 81% (13-16) from the charity stripe versus the Generals 43% (9-21) effort. Lakers guard Dominique Higgins poured in 5 crucial second half free throws – each of which proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the game.
In terms of turnovers, the Lakers gave the ball up just 11 times while Herkimer, squandered it 13 times.
Outside of De La Cruz's 18 points, the next highest scorer for the Lakers was Higgins. The freshman finished the game with 9 points. In addition to their scoring efforts, both Higgins and De La Cruz each grabbed 6 rebounds.
Adding to the Lakers scoring with 6 bench points was guard Sean Sweeney. The sophomore dropped in a pair of three-point baskets for the home team – both of which came in the second half.
In terms of rebounding and assists, forward Sean Carbonell – in both of the categories – led FLCC. Overall, he pulled down 8 rebounds all while handing out a game-high 5 assists.
In a losing effort, Herkimer received 14 points out of Mike Thomas. In addition to his 14 points, Thomas notched a game-high 10 rebounds.
Dequan Jefferson and Jonathan Feiler added 11-point and 10-point showings respectively for the Generals.
The Lakers, in their next game, will travel downstate to Hudson, NY, where they will take on Columbia-Greene CC this Saturday (11/17). Game time tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.