The Panthers men's basketball team got back in the win column Thursday with a convincing 88-61 victory over Jefferson Community College. The win snaps a three-game skid and moves the Panthers to 6-4 overall and 3-0 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. Jefferson drops to 3-7 overall and 1-3 in the MSAC.

A 3-pointer by Malachi Brown (Philadelphia, Pa./Central H.S.) in the first minute of play sparked a 12-2 run to open the action. The lead continued to grow until halftime, peaking at 27 points late before settling at 45-25 at the break. The second half was more of the same, again starting with a 3-pointer by Brown. The biggest lead of the game was 37 points at the midpoint of the half, and the Panthers were never threatened.

Javonte Long (Harlem/Clayton H.S.) had another huge game, pouring in 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Marqiis Samuels (Long Island/The Patrick School)

Finished with 13 points and 7 assist, and Brown ended the night with 12 points on four 3-pointers.

Looking ahead

The Panthers play at Cayuga Community College Saturday.