Raptors calm the Cobras
January 3, 2025
On January 3rd, the 17th ranked Montgomery College Raptors (11-2) took on the Caldwell Tech Cobras in the second game of the Davidson-Davie New Year's Classic. The Raptors returned home with a win, beating the Cobras 86-81.
After a tough loss the previous day, the Raptors entered the game physically worn down. The first half was back and forth, with hot three point shooting by the Cobras keeping them within striking distance. For the Raptors, Isaiah Gill chipped in 10 first half points, and Mati Szpin bounced back and did a great job scoring the ball. The Raptors went into the break up 44-42.
In the second half, the Cobras kept the pressure on the Raptors. After every run, the Cobras would slither their way back into the game, and the Raptors could never seem to put them away. Franklin Ayissi-Etoh did his part, going nuclear from three point range (5-6 from three), finishing with 15 points. With under a minute remaining, the Raptors were only up 77-76, but captain Ibrahim Abdulmateen-Robinson closed the game out with a stepback three from the left wing, extending the lead to 4 and shutting any hope of an upset. This win moves the Raptors to 12-2 on the season.
Stats to note:
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Mati Szpin led the Raptors with 19 points and 9 rebounds
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Ibrahim Abdulmateen-Robinson stuffed the stats sheet yet again, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
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Christopher Levy once again closed the game out from the free throw line, finishing with 11 points and going 7/8 from the line.
Up Next:
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The Raptors resume Region 20 play as they host the Frederick Community College Cougars on January 11th at 3:30 PM.