Pensacola State (PSC) came out hot grabbing the lead from the start of the game and never relinquished it in their 80-70 win over Chipola. This gave the Lady Pirates their first Panhandle win of the season and improved their overall record to 17-2.
The Lady Pirates used good ball pressure in the first quarter to force turnovers and get their offensive momentum going. Naterria Luster came off the bench to help spark the team down low and spot PSC a solid lead. Luster had a strong performance throughout the game as she recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The second quarter provided lots of contact on both sides and proved to be a bit rough and tumble. Both teams struggled early in the quarter before the Lady Pirates found their stride at about the 3:45 mark. Chipola swung the momentum back their way with two minutes left in the quarter, but PSC was able to take a lead into the half.
Coming out of halftime PSC was able to extend their lead as they took advantage of Chipola struggling to knock down shots. Nia Johnson was able to penetrate the defense and get some good looks at the basket as she ended up being the high scorer with 20 points, while also dishing out a team high five assists.
Kiana Coomber did her best to try and keep Chipola in the game as she got hot in the fourth quarter, but PSC stayed strong. Chipola's full court press briefly wreaked some havoc and forced a few turnovers, but with the help of Ahyiona Vason entering the game the Lady Pirates were able to breakthrough and knock down key buckets to maintain their lead. Chipola started fouling with 1:15 left in the game and PSC went 7-for-8 on the foul line to secure the victory.
The Lady Pirates had five players finish the game in double digits: Johnson (20), Ta'Sheanne Armstrong (19), Luster (15), Mylashia Yancey (12) and Kaloni Pryer (10). After missing some time due to injury in the first quarter, Aminat Jubril returned to the game and was strong on the boards as she picked up eight rebounds in the game.
On Saturday PSC will travel to Tallahassee to face the Eagles at 5:30 pm est.
Photo courtesy: Sarah Demuth