Photo - Walt Rybczynski

JAMESTOWN - Facing a tough task to start the season, the Jamestown Community College men's basketball team's strong effort wasn't enough against No. 10 Lakeland Community College, falling by a score of 87-78 Wednesday evening.

The Jayhawks (0-1) were led by freshman guard Jared Martin (Norwich, CT/Springfield Commonwealth Academy) with 15 points, nine rebounds (1 offense, 8 defense), and six assists with sophomore forward Traden Gray (Frewsburg, NY/Frewsburg HS) adding 13 points and nine board (2 offense, 7 defense). A trio of Jayhawks scored nine points each in the effort. Freshman forward Josiah Diaz (Pawtucket, RI/Springfield Commonwealth Academy) cleaned up the boards nicely, grabbing 11 rebounds (6 offense, 5 defense).

JCC found themselves down by as many as 18 points with the Lakers leading 37-19 at the 5:54 mark of the first half but their spirit did not waver. Slowly, JCC made it a single-digit deficit, going on a 14-4 run over a span of four minutes. During the run, sophomore guard/forward Bam Toure (Jamaica, NY/St. Johns Prep) and sophomore guard Elgin Oliver (Pittsburgh, PA/Gateway Senior HS) scored four points each to go along with a three-pointer from sophomore guard Brian Fajardo (Bronx, NY/Aeci Charter HS).

LCC ended the run before the break, scoring the half's final five points.

The Lakers maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half but a spark from Fajardo's three-pointer and layup from Martin quickly made it a 78-71 game with under three minutes to go in regulation before LCC extended their lead.

The Jayhawks went 26-for-63 (41.3 percent) from the field with the Lakers going 31-for-69 (44.9 percent) from the floor. JCC did hold the slight edge on the boards, grabbing 44 rebounds to LCC's 41.

The Jayhawks will be on the road this Friday, November 4th, as they travel to take on WVU Potomac State College in the Potomac State Tip-Off Classic. Tip is set for 8 p.m.