The Panthers men's basketball team ended the fall semester with a tough, one-point road loss to #3 ranked Mohawk Valley Community College, 71-70. Tompkins Cortland heads into the winter break with a record of 5-3 overall and 5-2 in Region 3. Mohawk Valley is 10-0 overall and 8-0 in region.

Mohawk Valley entered the game as the only undefeated team in the region and one of just three in the nation. The Hawks had won their games by an average of more than 20 points per game, with only one contest ending within 10 points. The Panthers fell behind early, trailing 36-25 at the half. The deficit grew in the second half before the Panthers rallied all the way back, taking a lead in the final minute of play before the Hawks recaptured the lead and closed out the tight win.

Javonte Long (Harlem/Clayton H.S.) continued to lead the Panthers, scoring 22 point to go with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Marqiis Samuels (Long Island/The Patrick School) had 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals and Kobe Nwosu (Spring Valley/North Rockland H.S.) had 12 points and 8 boards.  

Looking ahead

The Panthers are off for the winter break. The next game on the schedule is a non-conference contest wat Monroe Community College on January 7.