The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team couldn't hang on in the closing minutes Thursday, losing at home to Corning Community College, 78-69. Tompkins Cortland is now 6-14 overall and 1-9 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference while Corning improves to 12-8 overall and 5-4 in the MSAC.

Tied at 34-34 at the half and at 52-52 with 10 minutes left in the game, the Panthers scored four straight to lead 56-52. The Red Barons responded with a run of nine straight to take the lead. While the Red Barons never relinquished the lead, the Panthers battled all the way to the closing horn, pulling within a single point with four minutes left and keeping within six until the final minute.

Tahleek Weekes (South Queens/Construction H.S.) paced the team with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jonathan Baker (Staten Island/Curtis H.S.) had 18 points and Shakel Cofield (Westbury/Westbury H.S.) had a team-best 11 rebounds.

The Panthers take to the road for a non-conference game Saturday at SUNY Adirondack.