Overtime Loss for Panthers in Season Finale

Kyla Mustapha
Kyla Mustapha

The season came to a dramatic close for the Panthers on Wednesday, as the women came all the way back from a big deficit early, only to see a late lead slip away and end with an overtime loss to Genesee Community College. The 63-58 loss leaves the Panthers with a record of 4-15 overall and 3-9 in the Mid-state Athletic Conference. Genesee is now 11-11 overall and 4-7 in the MSAC.

The visiting Cougars jumped ahead early, outscoring the Panthers 24-11 in the first quarter. TC3 chipped away in the second, heading to halftime down 32-22. A 12-6 advantage in the third quarter made it a four-point game heading to the fourth. The final quarter opened with the Panthers using an 11-2 run to lead 45-40, and the home team held the lead until the final 90 seconds of regulation when Genesee moved back on top 51-50. A 3-pointer by Kyla Mustapha put the Panthers back in front with 1:15 left, but Genesee evened the score at 53-5 with 55 seconds left. Each team had chances over the closing seconds, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the game to overtime. In the extra period Genesee scored first, but a 3-pointer from Rylan Robicheaux put TC3 back in front, 56-55. A pair of free throws by Melody Fann made it 58-55, but the Panthers were held scoreless over the final 2:21, allowing Genesee to reclaim the lead and seal the win at the free throw line.

Michaela Jean-Philippe had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Panthers. Mustapha just missed a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Fann finished with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 clocks, and Robicheaux pulled down 8 boards.