The Skaneateles boys basketball team nearly staged one of the most unlikely comebacks in program history, and used it as a springboard to a satisfying win over a chief rival later in the week.

When the Lakers hosted Cortland last Monday night, it trailed by 23 points going to the fourth quarter, yet had a shot to force overtime before the Purple Tigers held on to edge Skaneateles 66-63.

Torrid shooting in the first quarter gave Cortland control as it gained a 29-14 lead. That margin kept growing, and by the time they reached the final period, the Lakers stared at a 59-36 deficit.

What followed was close to miraculous. Twice, Skaneateles put together 9-0 runs, which whittled the Purple Tigers’ margin to single digits, and by the time Jack Canty put in a rebound basket in the final minute, Cortland’s lead was just three.

It was still a three-point game when the Lakers got the ball and, with time running out, got a 3-point chance to force overtime, only to see it go off the rim.

Justin McClanahan led the rally as his 22 points included four 3-pointers. Canty had 12 points, with most of Jeremy Castle’s 10 points coming from three 3-pointers. Tommy Reed had seven points and Frank Schmeling hit a pair of 3-pointers.

Nine different Cortland players got at least one field goal as Rory Hines (15 points) and John Blanchard (13 points) led them.

After Wednesday’s game with Solvay was snowed out, the Lakers moved on to Friday’s game against rival Marcellus. This time around, the strong push through the homestretch was rewarded as Skaneateles defeated the Mustangs 58-40.

Defense helped Skaneateles throughout the first half, as Marcellus rarely got room to work and the Lakers held them to just five points in the second quarter on the way to a 19-14 advantage at intermission.

Gradually, the pace quickened, but Skaneateles was up to it, and in the fourth quarter a mix of clutch baskets and solid free-throw shooting led to the Lakers doubling up Marcellus 26-13 for a much-needed win.

Castle hit on five 3-pointers and led his side with 18 points overall. Reed finished with 15 points, while McClanahan had nine points. Kenny Peterson got eight points and Canty managed six points. For Marcellus, Connor Rogalia had 16 points and Ben Fedorenko added 12 points.

With a 2-2 overall record, Skaneateles would visit Hannibal Tuesday and host Cazenovia Friday night.