The Onondaga Community College men's basketball team opened its 2014-15 season on Saturday in nail-biting fashion as the Lazers overcame a late deficit to defeat Anne Arundel Community College, 75-74, in the opening round of the eighth annual Onondaga Community College Classic in the SRC Arena & Events Center. In other action, the Northampton Spartans defeated the Delaware County Community College Phantoms to advance to the championship game on Sunday.

After trailing by four points to start the second half, the Lazers would quickly climb back into the thick of things when Joseph Piazza buried a 3-pointer from the corner to pull Onondaga even at 43-43.

Onondaga would claim its first lead since the 6:42 mark of the first half when a Kyle Kline layup made it 45-43, but the lead would be short lived as the Pioneers began to gather momentum thanks to a 9-1 run to retake the lead, 52-46.

After exchanging baskets, the Lazers would erase a seven-point hole courtesy of a 9-1 run of their own highlighted by a 3-point play by Kameron DiSanto to give Onondaga a 61-60 advantage.

Both teams battled on the defensive end of the floor as the second half wore on, but a modest five-point run would stake Anne Arundel to a five point lead, 69-64.

Back-to-back baskets by DiSanto and Kline would bring Onondaga to within one point before a Piazza bucket from beyond the arc tied the contest at 71-71 with 1:33 remaining in on the clock.

Anne Arundel would score again to take a 73-71 lead, but the advantage wouldn't hold as the Lazers scored four unanswered points including two key clutch free throws by Kline to earn a 75-74 win.

Piazza was impressive in his first game of the season, shooting 7-of-10 from the floor including a career-high six 3-pointers resulting in a team-high 20 points.  The sophomore guard also posted five rebounds and two assists in the win.  Kline contributed 13 points for Onondaga along with four assist while DiSanto nearly posted a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds.  Zachary Perry had six rebounds and Trayshaun Hymes frustrated Anne Arundel's guards all game after coming up with a team-high three steals.  Michael Scott had eight points off the bench and Lloyd Parkmond chipped in seven points and three boards for the Lazers.  Trevor Smith led all players with five helpers.

The Lazers will return to action at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday and will play Northampton in the championship game of the Onondaga Classic to be held in the SRC Arena & Events Center.