JAMESTOWN - Looking to get back on track, the Jamestown Community College men's basketball team fell to Genesee Community College, 92-80 Saturday afternoon on Sophomore Day.
The Jayhawks (8-16, 1-9 WNYAC) were led by Jordan Thomas as he secured a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Jake Hougan had a career day, scoring 19 points on 8-for-8 (100 percent) shooting from the floor. Donathan Daniels had 16 points with Sheick Kourmora adding 15 points, respectively. Kyle Butler orchestrated the offense, finishing with six assists.
Jamestown came firing out of the gates to start the game, going up 13-2 in the first four minutes of play. On the run, Hougan led the way with six points including a made pair of free throws. The Cougars battled back to cut the deficit to one point with Jordan Matos hitting a three-pointer to trail 18-17.
With a sense of urgency, the Jayhawks created separation, gaining a lead by as many as nine points during a four minute stretch. GCC once again battled back and took their first lead with a Devin Green layup to go up 32-31.
Both teams battled hard for the remainder of the half, with neither team gaining more than a two possession advantage. Before the break, Kourmora raced coast-to-coast to score the layup to put the Jayhawks up 50-49 going into the intermission.
With some halftime adjustments, the Cougars found some offense and went up 64-54 in the first five minutes of the second half. Not getting discouraged, the Jayhawks kept their composure and tied the game up at 66 apiece. JCC scored nine unanswered including a pair of free throws by Daniels to draw even.
Like much of the game, the momentum shifted back to the Cougars, going up seven with a three-pointer from Legacy Wallace to put GCC up 83-76 with 5:48 left in regulation. JCC had a hard time match the shots down the stretch, scoring four points down the stretch.
On the day, the Jayhawks went 31-for-70 (44.3 percent) from the floor. The Cougars went 33-for-73 (45.2 percent) from the field.
JCC established the paint early, outscoring the Cougars 52-40. The Cougars held the slight advantage in rebounds, grabbing 47 rebounds to JCC's 40.
Prior to the game, the JCC men's basketball team recognized Donathan Daniels, Markus Coleman and Jason Guillien for everything they did for the men's basketball team and JCC Athletics.
The Jayhawks will have a quick turnaround as they will travel to GCC this Tuesday for their Sub Regional game. Time is yet to be determined.