The Panthers men's basketball team returned to action Tuesday after a month-long break, traveling to Rochester to take on Division II Monroe Community College for a non-conference game. It was a rocky return, with the Panthers falling behind early and never recovering, falling by a final score of 95-64.  Tompkins Cortland is now 5-4 overall on the season, with all four losses coming to teams ranked in the top 15 in the nation. Monroe, the #15-ranked team in Division II, is now 12-2.

The Panthers scored the first points of the game, and led 3-2 a minute into the game, but the lead didn't last long. Monroe outscored the Panthers 31-5 over the next ten minutes, building a cushion that the visitors weren't able to overcome the rest of the way.

Kaleb Nutifafa (Elmsford/Alexander Hamilton H.S.) led the Panthers in scoring with 13 points, with Javonte Long (Harlem/Clayton H.S.) next with 12 points.

Looking ahead

The Panthers return to Mid-State Athletic Conference play on Thursday with a home game with Jefferson Community College.