Pensacola State picked up two more wins over the weekend as they hosted their annual "PSC Holiday Classic". The Pioneers of North Arkansas and Bison of Southern Union State traveled in from their respective states while conference foe, Gulf Coast State made the trip from Panama City for a weekend of basketball.
The nations 4th ranked Commodores (11-1) claimed the first victory of the weekend with an 82-57 win over North Arkansas (2-7). Alieghya Bartholomew paced Gulf Coast with 18 points. Kaliahni Jacklik led North Arkansas with 18 points connecting on 6-of-11 baskets from distance.
The 7th ranked Lady Pirates got off to a sluggish start in their weekend opener against Southern Union (7-5). PSC only managed to connect on 11-of-33 field goal attempts in the first half. While shots were not falling, the Pensacola defense only surrendered 19 points in the half and led 30-19 at the break.
Gabriela Bendeck-Giron carried the Lady Pirates offensively, scoring 22 of her game high 28 points in the half. Bendeck-Giron finished the game with a season-high eight made threes. NJCAA and FSCAA Week 4 "Player of the Week" Jaida McDonald added 13 points while Audreonia Benson netted 10.
Shemaiah Mackin was the Bison's leading scorer with 12.
In Saturday's action, Gulf Coast bested Southern Union 90-51 to pick up another win while handing the Bison their second loss of the weekend. Alisha Murray led the Commodores with 20. Victoria Rosser had 16 to lead Southern Union.
Pensacola State seemed to have found their touch in their second contest of the weekend as they took a dominant 97-35 win over North Arkansas.
Six of the seven Lady Pirates scored in double figures in the contest. Bendeck-Giron and Tanita Swift both had 20. Swift also came up with seven steals. Jaida McDonald and Reina Green both logged double-doubles managing 18 points and 19 boards and 12 points with 11 rebounds, respectively. Audreonia Benson had 13 points and Katiya Casey contributed 10 points with seven assists.
Karsen Edwards led North Arkansas with 11 points.
Pensacola State, now 12-0 on the season, have the first game of a double-header with the Pirate men as they host Bishop State at 5:30 and 7:30 at the Hartsell Arena on December 21, 2023.