The Tompkins Cortland Community College men's basketball team ended the regular season Wednesday the same way it started it back in November: with a win over Onondaga Community College. Wednesday's 77-76 victory leaves the Panthers with a record of 12-11 overall and 12-10 in Region 3. Onondaga is 9-15 overall and 8-14 in region.
Things started slowly for the Panthers as Onondaga came out hot. The Lazers shot their way to a 20-8 lead after seven minutes, but the home responded in a big way. Over the next eight minutes, the Panthers went on a 24-4 run that featured five 3-pointers by five different players. The lead grew to a dozen in the final minute of the half before settling in a 42-33 going into the break.
The Panthers never relinquished the lead in the second half, but things certainly got close. Onondaga pulled within a point at 54-53 with just over 10 minutes left, but the Panthers inched the lead back to double digits at 75-64 with just under three minutes on the clock. Onondaga tightened things up with a 12-2 run to make it 77-76 with a minute left, but the Panthers were able to force two turnovers in the final minute, and when Onondaga's last second 3-point attempt bounced off the rim at the buzzer, the home team had held on for the win.
Joel Davis (Watertown/Watertown H.S.) had his 13th double-double of the season with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Deamontae Riley (Buffalo/Burgard H.S.) added 16 points and eight rebounds and Makai Reed (Syracuse/Syracuse Academy of Science) added 0 points and eight rebounds.
Looking ahead
The Panthers await word on who they will play in the NJCAA Region 3 playoffs. Tournament seedings are expected to be released Thursday.