Spartans Crush Panthers in MSAC Contest

A dominant second quarter helped the Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball Team overpower Tompkins Cortland Community College on Wednesday.

Overcoming a slow start from the field, the Spartans ran off a 30-7 second quarter to take control against the Panthers (3-10, 1-5), ultimately winning 79-57. The win moves Cayuga to 7-8 overall and 3-2 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

"We played really well after the first five minutes," said Cayuga Coach Jim Alberici. "We had five players in double-figures and 17 assists on 26 field goals, so we were really moving the ball well."

A defensive first quarter and a two-point Panthers lead gave way to the Spartans' mammoth second quarter. Relying on great ball movement and rebounding, Cayuga went on a 20-5 run over the final 5:40 of the quarter to build a 41-20 halftime lead. 

Forward Jania Freeman's 10 points led the Spartans' offense in the first half, with point guard Tanyea Jansson scoring eight.

Cayuga coasted to the win over the last two quarters, with the game never getting closer than 14 points in the second half.

Freeman had another strong game for Cayuga, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Jansson had eight assists to go with 12 points, and Tori Mandel finished with six rebounds, four assists and 12 points on four-of-five three-point shooting. Fatimaah Findley and Brianna Hirschman finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Cayuga will return to Spartan Hall on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a home contest against Onondaga Community College (16-3, 4-0). Tip-off is 1 p.m.