“It’s hard to beat a good team three times in the same season” is a well used line in the sports world, and that was the task at hand for Cambridge in their Class C semifinal matchup with Hoosick Falls at Cohoes Tuesday night. That old adage proved true as the Panthers gave Cambridge all they could handle before the Indians closed the deal with a 49-42 victory sending them to the Class C finals Friday at 6 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College.

Holding a 16-8 lead after the first period the top seeded Indians saw the Panthers respond with a 19-5 second quarter and take a 27-21 advantage into the break.

Cambridge turned up it’s defensive intensity in the third, holding the Falls to six points, while offensively the Indians flashed their transition prowess fueling an 18 point quarter, and held a 39-33 cushion heading to the final frame.

Hoosick Falls drew as close as 43-41 late, but Cambridge knocked down clutch free throws to seal the hard fought “W” advancing to the title game and a meeting with #2 Mekeel Christian on Friday night.

Helen Mooney led Cambridge, (22-1), offensively with 19 points, while Logan Thayne scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Panthers who finish their season at 12-11.