HERKIMER — The North Country Community College men's basketball team finished its season three points shy of advancing to the Region III championship game.

Jefferson Community College defeated the Saints 85-82 Saturday. North Country coach Chad LaDue said turnovers and free throws hurt the Saints all game.

"We had 19 turnovers (Saturday)," LaDue said. "I said going into the game, if we turned it over 10 or less times. We had a great chance of winning, but regardless, I couldn't be more proud of these guys."

The Saints missed 11 free throws on top of the fact that they coughed the ball up frequently. North Country also had to deal with being short on the offensive end as Peyton McLaurin and Brian Donaire were in foul trouble most of the game.

Donaire finished with seven points, while McLaurin dropped six points. The Saints were led by Frane Larose, who tallied 22 points. Tyquan Pointer stepped up for North Country, scoring 17 off the bench.

Christian Rohler paced the Cannoneers with 19 points, while four other Jefferson players also finished in double figures. North Country hit nine 3-pointers, while Jefferson drained only two.

The Saints finished the season at 21-11.