On Saturday, Pensacola State needed two things to happen in order to extend the season with a playoff v. Gulf Coast State for a berth in the state tourney: Panhandle Conference Champion Tallahassee CC to defeat Gulf Coast; and, Pensacola to beat Northwest Florida.  Before the Pirates- Indians game began, Tallahassee lost to Gulf Coast on a half court buzzer beater 108-107 in the third OT.  Gulf Coast will represent the Panhandle Conference as the runner-up at the Florida/Region 8 Tourney.   

  Nevertheless, after a slow start, the Pirates (18-11, 7-5) completed a season sweep of Northwest Florida ( 12-16, 0-12) 83-79.  PSC trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half, but cut the Indian lead to one at the half (43-42).  The game remained close in the second half with several ties and lead changes.  The Pirates led by as much as ten points and held on to win by four.  Two Pirate Sophomores played their farewell game: Carlos Rosario has 24 pts., 4 rebs. and 2 steals; and, Shawndarius "Elmo" Cowart finished with 9 pts, 10 assists, 7 rebs. and 2 steals.  The Pirates were led by Bryce Waterman with26 pts (8/14 3's).  Setric Millner led the Indians with 24 pts.

  Between games, Pensacola State inducted its second group into the Pensacola State Athletics Hall of Fame:

Dr. Donn Peery (former AD);  Vickie Carson (Women's Basketball's first coach); Brenda Pena (Softball's first coach); Doug Bates (baseball player in 1990's); and, Dan Shugart (Sportscaster and supporter).  Congratulation to all!

         Final Panhandle Conference Standings: Tallahassee CC (25-5, 9-3); Gulf Coast SC (21-7, 8-4); Pensacola State (18-11, 7-5); Chipola College (18-10, 6-6); and, Northwest Florida (12-15, 0-12).