The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team's playoff chances took a major hit on Saturday when the Panthers lost at Cayuga Community College 83-78. Entering Saturday, the Panthers, Spartans, and the Jefferson Community College Cannoneers were competing for the fourth and final place in the Mid-State Athletic Conference playoffs. With both Tompkins Cortland and Jefferson losing, Cayuga now has the inside track for the final playoff spot with one game left on the conference schedule for Tompkins Cortland and Cayuga, and two games left for Jefferson. The Panthers play at Jefferson Monday, with the Panthers needing a win and some help to have a chance at making a return trip to the conference playoffs for the first time in four years.

The Panthers (7-13, 3-8 MSAC) led 43-40 at the half, but Cayuga (8-13, 4-7 MSAC) rallied for the five-point win. Devonte Henry (Brooklyn/Boys and Girls H.S.) led the Panthers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ja Don Crooms (Brooklyn/Boys and Girls H.S.) added 18 points and 11 boards. Garrick Averett (Hempstead/Hempstead H.S.) chipped in with 14 points and 5 rebounds.