The semester ended on a down note for the Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team as the Panthers lost to the #5 ranked team in the nation Saturday. Playing at Hudson Valley Community College, the Vikings jumped ahead early and finished the game by handing the Panthers a 92-78 defeat. Tompkins Cortland is 2-7 overall and 2-2 in Region III. Hudson Valley is 10-2 overall and 7-2 in Region III.

The final stats were close on most categories, except free throws. While Hudson Valley held a 32-31 edge in field goals made, the Vikings connected on 24 free throws compared to just 9 made by the Panthers. The difference at the line nearly matched the final margin at the Panthers couldn't come back from a big first-half deficit (53-37 at the half.)

Jaiden Allen (Marlboro/Marlboro H.S.) led the Panthers with a season-high 17 points. Omari Lane (Newburgh/Newburgh Free Academy) reached double figures for the seventh time in nine games this season, netting 12 points to go with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Derek Brower (Queens/Half Hollow Hills West H.S.) chipped in 10 points.

The Panthers are off for the winter break, returning to action January 10 against Davis College.