Spartans Lose Defensive Clash With Cannoneers

A great defensive effort wasn't enough for Cayuga Community College Men's Basketball to overcome Jefferson Community College on Wednesday.

A late scoring drought doomed the Spartans, who led by single digits with five minutes remaining but ultimately fell 66-61 to the Cannoneers.

"We played great defense and rebounded well. We struggled scoring, and in those last few minutes in particular. Usually when you hold teams to 66 points you win, but we just needed to finish a few more shots," said Cayuga Coach Tony Borges.

Defenses from both teams dominated the first half, with Cayuga clinging to a 29-28 lead at the break. Both offenses picked up in the second half, with Cayuga briefly opening up an eight-point lead before the Cannoneers pulled closer.

Cayuga held a slim two-point lead with five minutes remaining, but then were held scoreless for the next four-plus minutes as the Cannoneers went on a 9-0 run. Cayuga rallied for seven points in the final minute but was unable to catch the Cannoneers.

Forward Tony Borges finished with a double-double for Cayuga, scoring 18 and grabbing 10 rebounds. Desean Strachan and Hunter Martin both had 11 points, with Strachan finishing with six rebounds and Martin with five. Donald Grant had 10 points and Ryan Adams had nine rebounds.

Cayuga is now 2-16 on the season. They're on the road this weekend, facing Clinton Community College on Saturday and then North Country Community College on Sunday.