Onondaga Community College defeats Finger Lakes CC to take over Mid-State Conference lead

Victory also qualifies Lazers for Region III playoffs for 7th consecutive year

SYRACUSE, NY. – January 31, 2008 – The Onondaga Community College men’s basketball team captured a first place showdown against visiting Finger Lakes Community College, 77-63, last night. The two teams entered the game tied for the lead in the Mid-State Athletic Conference with identical 5-1 conference records, but Finger Lakes had defeated Onondaga, 91-67, at Finger Lakes on January 10. The Lazers’ win moved them one game ahead of the Lakers in the conference standings. Onondaga also raised its overall record to 16-5, and qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III playoffs for the 7th consecutive year. The Lazers are the only Mid-State school, and one of only two schools in the entire region, to qualify for regional play in each of those 7 years.

Onondaga again used a strong defensive effort to help secure the win. The Lazers held a 21-16 lead with 9:12 remaining in the first half, but held the Lakers scoreless for the remainder of the half and the first 1:15 of the second half while scoring 15 points themselves. The lead had extended to 36-16 before Finger Lakes scored again, and grew to as much as 24 in the second stanza. The final margin was as close as the Lakers would get. Onondaga limited Finger Lakes to 39% shooting for the game, including 22% in the first half, forced 23 Laker turnovers, and held a 42-38 rebounding advantage. The Lazers made 32 of 62 shots (52%), allowing them to overcome 27 turnovers of their own. Chris Vincent (Baldwinsville C.W. Baker) led Onondaga with 25 points and 4 steals. Shane Williams (Camillus West Genesee) posted a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Zack Thomsen (New Berlin Unadilla Valley) handed out a team high 9 assists.

Onondaga returns to action with a pair of games this weekend. On Saturday the Lazers travel to Cayuga Community College for a 3:00 pm Mid-State Conference contest. Then on Sunday, Onondaga hosts Clinton Community College in a non-conference tilt. The starting time for Sunday’s game has been changed to 1:00 pm.