NCCC drops heartbreaker at GCC

After battling back from an early double-digit deficit, Niagara County Community College ultimately dropped a 75-70 decision to Region III rival Genesee Community College on Wednesday night. NCCC, which was ranked No. 15 in the preseason NJCAA Div. II poll, falls to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in Western New York Athletic Conference play.

With the game tied at 70 and just under a minute remaining, NCCC missed an opportunity to take the lead when Laterrance Reed's dump-off pass to Chris Luke ended up in the hands of the host Cougars. GCC responded with a deep 3-pointer to take a 73-70 lead. Donel Cathcart's potential game-tying trey on the ensuing NCCC possession was off the mark.

Cathcart, a sophomore guard, finished with a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds. Reed and freshman wing Najee Scott each had 12 points in defeat.

Next up for the Thunderwolves is a trip to Garrett College for the annual David K. Martin Classic. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. Friday when they take on Potomac State College.