A fast start and a balanced attack combined to give the Panthers men's basketball team a decisive 91-57 season-opening win over Onondaga Community College on Thursday. The Panthers are 1-0 overall and in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. Onondaga drops to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the MSAC.

The Panthers started hot, scoring the first nine points before Onondaga could get on the board. Leading 19-9 just past the midway point of the first half, Tompkins Cortland ripped off a 12-2 run over the next three minutes to take command at 31-11. The margin continued to grow with the home team taking a 47-20 lead into the half.

The lead was never seriously threatened in the second half. The Panthers kept the spread at no less than 21 the rest of the way, with the lead peaking at 40 at 83-43 with seven minutes left.  By the final horn, the Panthers had a 34-point win and huge 77-48 advantage in rebounds.

The stat sheet was full for the Panthers. Khai Pugh (Syracuse/Nottingham H.S.) led the way with a double-double of 22 points and 17 points, adding a team-best 6 assists and 2 blocks. Bryan Viscaino (Manhattan/Monsignor Scanlon H.S.) had 19 points and 7 steals and Javonte Long (Harlem/Clayton H.S.) had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jakai Lester (Wantagh/Wantagh H.S.) and Marqiis Samuels (Long Island/The Patrick School) each grabbed 10 rebounds and Kobe Nwosu (Spring Valley/North Rockland H.S.) just missed a double-double with 9 points and 9 rebounds. Damari Johnson (Binghamton/Johnson City H.S.) added 11 points.

Looking ahead

The Panthers play at Cayuga Community College on Saturday.