Spartans Hold On To Beat Panthers

Clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter helped the Cayuga Community College Men's Basketball Team pull out a close victory over Tompkins Cortland Community College on Wednesday.

The Spartans held on to top the Panthers 89-86 in an up-tempo thriller that was only decided after the Panthers missed three three-pointers in the final 19 seconds. The win moves the Spartans to 7-9 overall and 3-2 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

The teams traded the lead throughout the first half, with guard Stanley Beato pacing the Spartans' offense with 18 points. A Deonte Holder jumper gave the Spartans a 46-43 lead at the half.

Cayuga held a slim lead for much of the second half, but the Panthers fought back to tie the game at 80 with 3:20 remaining. The teams traded baskets until the Panthers took a one-point lead, 86-85, with 58 seconds to go.

The Spartans, though, weren't done. Holder was fouled and made two free throws to put Cayuga back in front, and a Jacob Ramirez steal, followed by two Ramirez free throws, gave the Spartans an 89-86 lead.

The Panthers had three final shots to tie the game, with the last three-pointer rimming out at the buzzer.

"We struggled some on defense. They were ready for our press, and they played well. Offensively, we can get shots any night. Deonte did a good job late in the game to get to the free throw line, Jewliann Chery had a big game off the bench, and Stanley had a great game offensively and keeping their point guard out of the lane," said Cayuga Coach Tony Borges.

Beato and Holder led the Spartans with 28 and 21 points, respectively. Ramirez finished with 11 points and Cherry scored nine. Shaheed Alcide had a team-leading nine rebounds.

The Spartans will face Onondaga Community College (16-3, 4-0) in a home contest on January 25. Tip-off is 3 p.m.