Genesee Drops Home Opener to Cuyahoga

Genesee Drops Home Opener to Cuyahoga

A comeback bid fell short for the GCC men's basketball team on Friday night, as the Cougars dropped their home opener to Cuyahoga CC, 77-72.

The Challengers got off to a fast start and began the opening half on an 8-0 run before a Brian Fobbs layup nearly four minutes into the game got GCC on the board.

Tri-C stretched its lead to 20-5 with less than 12 minutes to play in the first, but a 19-7 run got Genesee to within three with four and a half minutes left. Fobbs and Brandon Peters combined for 12 of the 19 points during the run.

Cuyahoga closed the half on a 13-6 run and led by 10 out of the break, but GCC quickly cut into the lead and was within one midway through the second half. Dontel Henry scored four straight at just outside of the 10 minute mark, including one of his two 3pt baskets in the game, to cut the Tri-C lead down to 54-53.

Both teams traded baskets and with seven minutes left, Elias Ezenekwe hit a three to tie the game at 58 apiece, his only long-range basket of the game.

After giving back the lead with a pair of Challengers free-throws, the Cougars tied the visitors at 60 after a Peters layup, but would not be able to hang on as Tri-C went on a 4-0 run and never trailed again, ending the game on a 17-12 run.

Fobbs finished with a game-high 20 points, Peters added 13 points and six assists, and Dontel Henry came off the bench to chip in 12 points.

Genesee was led in rebounding by Dejean Ellebb who finished with five, as the Cougars were minus-22 in the rebound category on the night.

GCC (2-6) will hit the road for its next contest on Sunday at Jefferson CC. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.