SARANAC LAKE — The North Country Community College men's basketball team had a strong second half to defeat Fulton-Montgomery 81-78 Wednesday.

The Raiders led 40-37 at halftime. The win improves the Saints to 8-3 overall and 4-3 in regional play.

North Country coach Daryl Crist said the Saints were able to stick to their style of play in the second half.

"We just played more of our game, and we defended better in the half court," Crist said. "We stopped their transition offense and made them play against our half court defense."

Crist said the game plan was to have their post players establish themselves in the second half.

Donte Crumpler finished with a team-high 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Malik Wilkinson recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Tyquan Pointer registered 17 points and seven assists for the Saints.

Fulton-Montgomey was led by Dante Morgan, who poured in 20 points.

Crist said North Country's bench came up big late, providing key minutes after the Saints' starting front court fouled out.

North Country will host Jefferson Community College Dec. 10 at  3p.m.