A slow start put the Panthers in an early double-digit deficit at Corning, a deficit that proved to be too much to overcome in a 72-61 loss to the Red Barons. TC3 is now 2-13 overall and 1-8 in the MSAC; Corning is now 11-7 overall and 8-1 in conference.

Corning scored the first five points of the game and led by as many as 12 in a first quarter that ended with the home team ahead 24-14. The Panthers got things going in the second, cutting the deficit to just two points at 35-33 before Corning went on a little run to end the half ahead 42-35. The margin yo-yoed again in the third, with the Panthers getting with four and Corning pushing the lead back to ten. The fourth quarter started with Corning ahead 52-48, and the spread remained around four most of the way until the Red Barons scored seven straight late in the quarter to open it and provide the final cushion.

Kyla Mustapha led the Panthers with 24 points, adding 6 rebounds and 5 steals. Melody Fann had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, followed closely Michaela Jean-Philippe with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Looking ahead

The Panthers return home Saturday to host Finger Lakes Community College.