Dry spell hurts Cougars
The Genesee Community College men's basketball team hoped to avenge a February 2nd loss to Monroe Community College on Tuesday night, going on the road to face their Western New York Athletic Conference rival.
The Cougars began the night by not allowing Monroe a basket for the first five minutes of the game. Genesee only managed four points during that time and when Monroe finally did score, it was the beginning of a 12-0 run that gave the Tribunes a 12-4 lead with eleven minutes left to play in the first half. Trailing by eight with about five minutes left, Mike Glenn (Fairport, NY) drew Genesee back within two at 20-18, scoring back-to-back three pointers. The Cougars kept pace and Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) sent the game into halftime all tied at 26 with a last second layup.
After an even start to the second half, the Tribunes scored on back-to-back three point possessions and the Cougars trailed 49-43 with eleven minutes remaining in the game. GCC did not go away and Glenn was able to tie the game at 49 with a dunk that even brought the MCC crowd to their feet, and then gave Genesee a 52-49 lead after converting on an old fashion three-point play. Monroe then went on a 10-0 run in a span of two minutes that gave the Tribunes a 59-52 lead with just over six minutes to play. The Cougars went two more minutes without scoring a basket before a Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) layup ended a nearly four minute drought. Genesee did fight back and trailed 66-64 with 18 seconds left to play. Sending Monroe to the free-throw line, the Cougars missed an opportunity when the Tribunes missed both free throws. Unable to grab the rebound, GCC had to send Monroe back to the free-throw line where they were able to close out the game. The Tribunes sweep the season series with GCC, winning Tuesday night 70-66.
Glenn finished with a game high 27 points. Chan-Man was the only other Cougar in double-figures, finishing the night with 12 points. Dijon Wright (Philadelphia, PA) had a strong night down low, grabbing 14 rebounds.
Genesee falls to 15-11 on the season and 7-4 in conference play. They will host Jamestown Community College on Saturday at 3pm.