The Genesee Community College women's basketball team battled from behind for most of the night on Tuesday but the Cougars wound up clawing their way to a 73-64 win over visiting Finger Lakes Community College.
The Lakers scored 10 of the first 12 points in the opening frame and led 24-12 midway through. Back-to-back baskets from Shanell Glover sparked a 12-0 run for Genesee and with under seven-minutes remaining in the half the score was tied at 24 apiece. Glover scored 12 points in the first half.
Out of a timeout, the Lakers responded by going on a 10-0 run in a span of just over two-minutes to take a 34-24 lead and FLCC took a 37-31 lead into the break.
Finger Lakes extended its lead back to double-digits early on in the second half before Genesee began its comeback.
Hillary Rivera scored eight straight points for GCC and after holding the Lakers to just one basket in six trips down the floor, the Cougars got to within one at 48-47 with just under 13-minutes left.
FLCC hit consecutive three-point baskets but Glover kept GCC in it with a layup and one of two free-throws. Rivera then converted on a three-point play and with 9:30 remaining the Cougars tied the score at 54.
Rivera gave Genesee its first lead of the night with a layup and a free-throw but FLCC hung around and with 4:30 left, the game was tied 61-61.
Breana Gleaton tipped the scale towards GCC with two of her 12 points on the night and after a Glover layup and a couple of Rivera free-throws, the Cougars controlled the lead for good. Genesee ended the game on a 12-1 run to improve to 12-9 overall this season.
Rivera and Glover shared game-high honors with 21 points apiece. Rivera also grabbed nine rebounds and Glover had seven. Elsa Andersson added eight points and four boards and Terra Clanton dished out five assists.
Genesee sweeps the season series against Finger Lakes after already beating the Lakers 76-73 on Dec. 4. The Cougars will return to action in conference on Wednesday night at Monroe Community College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
(GCC’s Shanell Glover (#4 white) looks to pass down low in Tuesday night’s win over Finger Lakes CC)
