The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team finished on the wrong end of a back-and-forth game Saturday, losing at home 68-67 to Finger Lakes Community College. The loss drops the Panthers to 6-10 overall and 1-4 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. Finger Lakes is now 10-9 overall and 3-3 in the MSAC.

The game was tight the entire way. Tompkins Cortland had the largest lead of the game at seven points late in the first half, and the home team held a 36-33 lead at the half. The Lakers tied the game at 36-36 in the opening moments of the second half, but Tompkins Cortland reclaimed the lead and remained ahead most of the half. It wasn't until the clock showed 1:42 in the game that the Panthers would relinquish the lead, with Finger Lakes moving in front 66-65 on a pair of free throws. The next possession ended with Shakel Cofield (Westbury/Westbury H.S.) sinking two free throws to put Tompkins Cortland back in front 67-66. The final lead change happened seconds later when Finger Lakes scored to make it 68-67 with a minute left. After trading unsuccessful possessions, the Panthers had the final chance to win it, but the last shot would not fall, leaving the Lakers as the winners.

Jonathan Baker (Staten Island/Curtis H.S.) had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Tahleek Weekes (South Queens/Construction H.S.) also had 18 points, adding 5 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists to her line. Dqui Berry (Jamaica/Grover Cleveland H.S.) added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Panthers are next in action Wednesday at home against Jefferson Community College at 7 p.m.