The final of three lead changes in the closing moments sent the Panthers to a heart-breaking loss to North Country Community College on Saturday. The 52-51 defeat leaves the Panthers with a record of 2-11. North Country improves to 7-10 with the win.

The game was tight from the opening tip. TC3 led 11-8 after one period, but North Country came back to lead 24-21 at the half. The Panthers regained the lead in the third and went to the final period ahead 37-35. In the fourth, TC3's lead grew to six points – the biggest lead for either team the entire game – at 45-39 with just under six minutes left to play. The Saints chipped away over the next few minutes, draining a 3-pointer with 1:43 left to move ahead 50-49. Each team missed opportunities over the next few possessions, but the Panthers forced a turnover with 11 seconds left, and after a missed shot, Michaela Jean-Philippe grabbed an offensive rebound and put back a layup to give the Panthers a 51-50 lead with five seconds left. After a time out to advance the ball, North Country drew a foul on a 3-pointer with two seconds. When the Saint made two of three, the visitors had a 52-51 lead. The Panthers managed a shot at the buzzer, but couldn't sink the winner.

Kyla Mustapha topped 20 points for the sixth-straight game, netting 22 points while also grabbing 14 rebounds and swiping 5 steals. Jean-Philippe also had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, also dishing out 4 assists.

Looking ahead

The Panthers are back home Tuesday, hosting Onondaga Community College.