Timberwolves Fall in Heartbreaking Regional Playoff Battle

GENESEE, N.Y. —

The SUNY Adirondack men's basketball season came to a dramatic and heartbreaking end in the NJCAA Region III Playoffs as the Timberwolves fell to Onondaga in a back-and-forth battle that went down to the final second.

The game featured multiple lead changes throughout, with Onondaga building a lead as large as nine points midway through the contest. Adirondack refused to fold, roaring back over the final 10 minutes to reclaim the lead in front of a high-energy playoff atmosphere.

With just 20 seconds remaining, an Onondaga three-pointer put the Timberwolves behind by one. After a timeout, Adirondack drew up a play designed to free point guard Messiah McLaurin on a backdoor cut. The sophomore delivered, finishing at the rim to give the Timberwolves the lead with under six seconds to play.

Adirondack executed sound transition defense on the ensuing possession, but a foul was called on a jump shooter with 0.6 seconds remaining, sending Onondaga to the free throw line. Onondaga converted both attempts to secure the narrow victory.

McLaurin led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds in his final game in a Timberwolves uniform, once again showcasing his leadership on both ends of the floor. Freshman Ash Hunter added 12 points, including three three-pointers that tied the program's single-season three-point record (74), a mark that had stood since 2008. Hunter finished the season shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Though the result was not what the Timberwolves hoped for, the fight, resilience, and togetherness displayed throughout the night reflected the character of the program. Adirondack concludes its season having competed relentlessly until the final whistle. The Timberwolves finish the season 17-11.