After overcoming a slow start, the Panthers men's basketball team pulled away for an 85-65 win over SUNY Adirondack in the Region 3 quarterfinals on Friday at Herkimer College. The #4-seed Panthers now advance to take on #1-seed Mohawk Valley Community College in Saturday's semifinal. Tip-off on Saturday is at 3 p.m. in Herkimer.

Adirondack got out to a quick start, scoring first and pushing ahead to an eight-point lead midway through the half. The Panthers chipped back and took their first lead at 6:39 left, with a pair of free throws by Nazir Rowell (Harlem/Vineland H.S.) making it 28-27. The lead changed sides four more times before the half, with a jumper by Rowell at the buzzer putting the Panthers up 35-34 at the break.

A pair of Jakai Lester (Wantagh/Wantagh H.S.) free throws on the opening possession of the second half made the score 37-37, but the Timberwolves responded with a 3-pointer to tie the score at 37-37. The Panthers answered back with an 11-0 run for their first double-digit lead at 48-37. The margin never dipped below eight points the rest of the way, and grew to 15 points with 5:30 left, and then peaked at 21 in the closing minutes.

Rowell was one of several Panthers to put up big numbers, leading all scorers with 19 points. Marqiis Samuels (Long Island/The Patrick School) came close to a triple double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Javonte Long (Harlem/Clayton H.S.) had 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals and Sheldon Schuler (New Haven, Conn./Lee Academy Prep) had 15 points and 6 rebounds.

The win improves the Panthers to 17-7 on the season. Adirondack's year ends with a record of 18-9.