With the stage set for drama, the Toronto Raptors played out a farce.

In what might go down as the worst end-of-game possession since Oliver Miller hoisted a 35-footer in the dying seconds of a SkyDome game in the horror that was Year 1, the Raptors botched a possible game-tying situation last night in a manner that defies all credulity.

Trailing the Orlando Magic by three with the ball and 15 seconds left, the Raptors could get nothing more than a desperation three-point airball from Morris Peterson on their way to loss No. 9 in succession.