Spartans Lose Close Contest to Saints

Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball came close but couldn't quite catch North Country Community College on Sunday.

The Spartans pulled within five points several times in the fourth quarter but ultimately ran out of time, losing 64-56 to the Saints. The regional loss makes Cayuga 8-12 on the season and 6-10 in Region III play.

Cayuga Coach Jim Alberici said the Spartans shot well from the three-point line, making nine three-pointers, but missed too many shots closer to the basket.

"This was a game between two very evenly matched teams. We played hard, just like we have all year. They just made a few more plays than us. It seemed like every time we pulled closer, they'd sink a three or make a shot," he said.

Cayuga stayed even with the Saints in the first quarter behind two three-pointers from Maddy Weed, but trailed 28-20 at halftime after the Saints built a lead early in the second quarter.

The Spartans pulled closer in the third quarter, cutting the lead to three behind consecutive layups by Haley Mosch. Trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, Cayuga cut the lead to five at one point, then back-to-back three-pointers by Weed and Mosch later in the game made it 52-48. That was the closest the Spartans came to tying the game, though.

Mosch finished with 25 points for Cayuga, adding four assists. Weed had 13 points, including four three-pointers, and also had five steals. Lamontiona Johnson had 15 rebounds for Cayuga.

The Spartans are home Wednesday, Feb. 7, to host Monroe Community College for a non-regional game. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.