A balanced attack that saw nine players score at least four points propelled the Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team to its first win of the year, 77-68 over Columbia-Greene Community College. Thursday's win moves the Panthers to 1-2 on the year while Columbia-Greene drops to 0-2.

Cristian Rosa (Yonkers/Lincoln H.S.) got the game moving in the right direction for the Panthers, sinking a pair of three-pointers in the opening minute. The Panthers never relinquished the lead, and a 25-5 run later in the half made the score 35-14, the biggest lead of the game. The margin stood at 46-33 at the half, and a quick three-pointer by Columbia-Greene to open the second half cut the lead to 46-36. The spread held around ten points most of the half, with the Twins getting as close six points before the Panthers put the game away over the final minutes.    

Of the nine players in the scoring column, three reached double-digits. Justin Peeples (Willingboro, N.J./BCIT West) led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds along with 4 steals. Rosa finishing with 12 points with Brandon Tirado (Manhattan/Quest to Learn H.S.) at 10 points. Deamontae Riley (Buffalo/Burgard H.S.) led the team in rebounds with 11 while Logan Nordman (Onondaga/Onondaga H.S.) had the most assists with 4. As a team the Panthers enjoyed a 31-7 advantage in points off turnovers and a 22-2 advantage in fast break points. The home team also dominated on the boards with a 49-34 advantage in rebounds.

Looking ahead

The Panthers go on the road for the first time this season, playing at Fulton-Montgomery Community College on Thursday, November 18.