A game of runs ended with the Panthers running out of time on their last push, falling to Onondaga Community College 68-65. TC3 is now 9-8 overall and 5-4 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference, while Onondaga moves to 15-7 overall and 8-0 in the MSAC.

Each team had big runs in the first half, with TC3 scoring seven straight early to move in front, only to have Onondaga answer with eight straight to reclaim the lead. Ten straight from the Panthers moved the home team back in front, but a 9-0 run produced the fourth lead change of the half. Onondaga ultimately took a 33-26 lead into the break, before spreading the margin to 11 points early in the second half. Another run by the Panthers closed the gap to one with seven minutes to play, and the teams stayed within six points the next few minutes. With three minutes left to play, the Lazers used a little spurt to push lead to nine points at 66-57, but the Panthers responded with a pair of 3-pointers to make it a three-point game heading into the final minute. With 45 seconds left the Panthers made one of two from the free throw line, and then did the same thing with 32.5 seconds left, making it a one-point game at 66-65. A pair of TC3 fouls sent Onondaga to the line, but the Lazers also lonely made two of four, leaving the door open for the Panthers final possession. With ten seconds left and trailing by three points, the home team pushed the ball up and got a clean look from behind the arc, but the shot wouldn't fall, leaving the final 68-65 for Onondaga.

Free throw shooting was an Achilles' heel for the Panthers, as the team made just 13-of-24 from the charity stripe. Jah-Mel Bruce was the exception on the team, making 8-of-10 free throws as part of his 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists effort. Izeir Mayben scored 17 points while grabbing six rebounds, and Malachi Brown had 11 point and 8 boards.

Looking ahead

The Panthers have a small break before their next game, at Corning Community College on Wednesday, February 11.