Batavia, NY – The Genesee Community College Cougars (21-7, 12-0 in conference) hosted the Cannoneers of Jefferson Community College (8-15, 6-7 in conference) in a Region III matchup to end the regular season. The Cougars won by a score of 87-60.

Before the game, coach Terry George hosted recognized the teams four sophomores. #0 Pape Tunkara, #2 Jake Mullen, #13 Junior Sutherland, and #24 Antwan Williams. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Sophomores Jake Mullen and Junior Sutherland each hit an early three for the Cougars to give them an early 6-2 lead. However Jefferson would rally back to take a 12-8 lead just over six minutes into the half. The teams would trade baskets for the next couple minutes, with neither side really being able to open up any consistent offensive rhythm. Just after the 10 minute mark of the half, the Cougars would regain the lead at 17-16, and would extend their lead to eight with a 7-2 run. The teams traded quick five point runs, before a pair of late Genesee threes gave the Cougars a 12 point lead. A pair of Cannoneer baskets would cut the lead to seven, and the Cougars would take the 39-32 lead to the break.

Sophomore Pape Tunkara lead Genesee with eight points, along with two assists, rebounds, and steals. Freshman Deontay Sprattley had seven points and four assists, while freshman Richard Martelly and sophomore Junior Sutherland each had six points. The Cougars shot 39.4% from the field.

The second half was all Genesee. After a quick Jefferson basket, the Cougars went on a 21-5 scoring run to make the game 60-39 just over seven minutes into the half. For the next several minutes, the teams would trade baskets. Jefferson cut the lead to 18 with just over 10 minutes remaining, before Genesee got three quick baskets to extend the lead to 24 with 9:17 remaining. The Cougars led would continue to sit at around 20, with the offenses trading blows. Genesee would go on a 8-3 run to end the game, taking the 87-60 victory. 

Martelly would lead the Cougars with 17 points, along with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Freshman Wayne Longmore would finish with a team-leading nine rebounds, along with nine points, an assist and a steal. Genesee would have 12 players finish on the scoresheet.

Genesee will host a Regional Quarterfinal game on Wednesday, February 22nd. Time and opponent will be announced later.