ONONDAGA CC FALLS AT JEFFERSON CC IN MID-STATE CONFERENCE OPENER

Time change for Wednesday home game against Hudson Valley CC.

SYRACUSE, NY. -- January 8, 2006 -- The Onondaga Community College men’s basketball team dropped its Mid-State Athletic conference opener at Jefferson Community College yesterday afternoon. Holding a 61-60 lead with 6:31 remaining, the host Cannoneers went on a 12-2 run to take command of the game, and the Lazers got no closer than within 6 points the rest of the way. The game was also the conference opener for Jefferson, who entered the game ranked #4 in the most recent National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Division III poll.

Both Onondaga and Jefferson were sloppy throughout the game, as they combined for 67 turnovers, 34 by the Lazers and 33 for the Cannoneers. Jefferson held a commanding 56-45 rebounding advantage and held the Lazers to 36% shooting (28 of 77) in what proved to be the two differences in the game. Eric Latendress (Oriskany) led Onondaga with 20 points, despite playing only 17 minutes due to foul trouble. Adrian Hanks (Liverpool) added 18 points, while Kenny Gethers (Syracuse Bishop Grimes) recorded his 7th consecutive double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Pat Mannion (Marcellus) handed out 8 assists, while Gethers recorded 7 steals.

Onondaga returns to action on Wednesday night with a non-conference home game against Region III #5 ranked Hudson Valley Community College. The game time has changed and been moved up to 7:00 pm. The Lazers’ next Mid-State Conference contest will be next Saturday, January 14, when they host defending regular season champion Finger Lakes Community College. Tip-off for that game will be 3:00 pm.