Spartans Lose OT Heartbreaker to Region's Top Seed

Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball pushed top-seeded Jefferson Community College to the limit Friday, taking the nationally ranked Cannoneers into overtime before falling in the opening round of the Region III Tournament.

Seeded eighth in the tournament, the Spartans dominated the first two quarters on Jefferson's home court and led by eight entering the fourth before the Cannoneers rallied to force overtime. Jefferson, ranked sixth in the latest NJCAA poll, controlled the final frame to take the game 75-70.

Cayuga Coach Jim Alberici praised his team's effort and performance, pointing out that it was the first time this season they hit the 70-point mark.

"I can't remember being prouder of a team. I'm sad the season's over, and that we didn't get the reward of a win tonight. I think we played well enough to deserve that," he said. "It was fun to be a part of this season with this team. I can't ask for more than how hard they've played each game."

The Spartans came out on fire Friday, determined to earn their first win against the Cannoneers after suffering two regular season losses to them and another defeat in the Mid-State Athletic Conference Tournament. Shooting well from the field, Cayuga raced out to a 21-13 lead in the first quarter before increasing the lead to 38-26 at halftime.

The Cannoneers chipped away at Cayuga's lead in the third quarter, but the Spartans still led by eight entering the fourth. Jefferson tied the game three minutes into the frame, and led by four with less than three minutes left when consecutive three-pointers by Cayuga's Lexi Alberici and Haley Mosch put the Spartans back in front.

Two free throws for Jefferson knotted the game at 66 with 1:34 left, but neither team scored again in the quarter. Cayuga turned the ball over with 13 seconds left, but then forced a missed shot on Jefferson's final possession of the quarter.

In overtime, the Cannoneers held the Spartans to a lone foul shot for the first four minutes before a three-pointer from Cayuga's Maddy Weed made it 73-70 with 25 seconds left. The Spartans didn't get a chance to tie the game, though, with the Cannoneers sinking two more free throws in the final seconds.

Lamontiona Johnson led a balanced Cayuga attack with 26 points while also grabbing seven rebounds. Avrey Colton finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points and collecting a team-high 10 rebounds to go with four assists. Mosch had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Weed had 10 points and three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Alberici had five steals and a game-high five assists.

With the loss, Cayuga ends the season 10-15. Jefferson moves into the Region III Semifinals, playing the winner of Friday night's contest between Herkimer College and Fulton-Montgomery Community College.