After a near perfect non-conference campaign, Pensacola State began conference play hosting Region 8 foe Gulf Coast State Commodores on January 13, 2024. Both teams came into the contest having only one loss each; the Pirates at 16-1 ranked 10th in the nation and the Commodores sitting at 15-1 ranked 3rd.
The Pirates, who had not played a game since December 31st showed signs of the nearly 2-week layoff. They struggled to get into any type of rhythm early and fell behind 21-8 in the opening period.
In the second period, Gulf Coast would go up by as many as 24 at the 3:36 mark. PSC went on a run, using an 18-point first half performance from Tanita Swift to cut the Commodore lead to 41-31 at the break. The 41-point first half was the most the Pirates have allowed this season.
The Pirates could not manage to get any closer than the 10-point half time deficit and ultimately fell 84-60 in the Panhandle Conference opener.
Tanita Swift was the Pirates leading scorer and rebounder with 31 points and six boards. Nataya Lockett joined Swift in double-figures with 11 points of her own.
For the Commodores, Isimenme Ozzy Momodu led the way with 21 points on 10 of 12 shooting. Alieghya Bartholomew had 16 points with 11 boards, Alisha Murray 12 points, and Aryelle Stevens added 11 points and 11 boards.
Pensacola State, now 16-2, will play at Chipola College (16-3) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 5:30 CST.