Over the past seasons, TC3 and Genesee have been the top teams in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. Genesee won the regular season title in 2023-24 with the Panthers winning the conference tournament. Last year the two teams tied for the conference title. So, when the schedule came out and had the two teams squaring off to open the 2025-26 season, it promised to be a memorable game. The reality didn't disappoint on Saturday in Batavia as the two teams played three overtimes before the Cougars could claim a 93-91 win over the Panthers.

The game featured 16 ties and 12 lead changes. TC3 had the biggest lead of the game at nine points late in the first half. Genesee's biggest lead was four points, but it was the Cougars who rallied to end regulation tied with the Panthers at 68-68. After each team scored nine points in the first overtime and six points in the second OT, the home team outscored the Panthers 10-8 over the final five minutes.

Jah-Mel Bruce led all scorers with 28 points, along with 7 steals, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Israel Guerrido was second in scoring with 23 points, and Juelz Lewis reached double figures with 10 points.

Looking ahead

The Panthers will look to get in the win column on Wednesday at Onondaga Community College.