The middle 20 minutes of Wednesday's home game against #7-ranked Onondaga Community College cost the Panthers women's basketball team any chance of pulling off an upset. The final score of 76-40 leaves Tompkins Cortland with a record of 1-1 overall and in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. Onondaga is now 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the MSAC.

The game started well for the Panthers, with the home team taking a three-point lead in the opening minutes of the game. The lead changed hands three times in the first quarter, with Onondaga ultimately ending the period with a slim 11-9 advantage. After limiting the Lazers to just 22% shooting in the first quarter, the Panthers couldn't keep up the pressure in the second. Onondaga connected on 47% in the second quarter, outscoring the Panthers 24-12 to take a 14-point lead into the half. The third quarter was even worse for the home team as Onondaga made 59% from the floor while holding the Panthers to just 13%. The final quarter started with the score 63-29, and despite playing mostly even throughout the final quarter, the hole was much too large for the Panthers to climb back into the game.

Cassie Doane (Candor/Owego Free Academy) had a strong game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Neroj Barwari (Union-Endicott/Union-Endicott H.S.) added 8 points, 8 steals, and 7 rebounds.

Looking ahead

The Panthers hit the road for the first time this season Saturday, playing at Hudson Valley Community College.