NCCC drops OT contest vs. Jayhawks

Niagara County Community College erased a 20-point first-half deficit before running out of gas in a 119-111 overtime-thriller against visiting Jamestown Community College on Monday night. The Thunderwolves dropped to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in Region III play, while the Jayhawks improved to 2-4, 1-1.

Freshman Gabrielle McDuffie had 26 points, 17 rebounds, five steals and four assists to lead NCCC. Fellow first-year player Aichata Ballo had her best game of the season, finishing with 19 points, 11 boards, nine assists and five steals. Classmate Kiya Marquez had 15 points and five rebounds, sophomore Alaina Forbes chipped in 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists before fouling out and freshman Alissa Backert contributed 11 points and four steals.

Freshman Olivia Smith canned a 3-pointer with 1.3 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. The T-Wolves attempted 123 field goals, but shot just 37 percent from the field, 19 percent from the 3-point line and 48 percent from the charity stripe in the setback.

Nadara O'Dell had 33 points to lead JCC, which shot 32-for-49 from the free-throw line.

The same two teams will run it back at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Jamestown CC.