Heartbreak at the Buzzer: PSC Falls to Gulf Coast in Overtime

Pensacola State 82 – Gulf Coast State 91 OT

Pensacola State fought valiantly at Gulf Coast State and were 0.2 seconds away from pulling off the upset over the NJCAA ninth ranked Commodores on January 26, 2025.  

With only 5.7 seconds remaining in regulation, the Pirates held onto a 75-72 lead with hopes of time expiring before the Commodores would be able to pull off any last second heroics. Dreadfully, the Pirates' prayers would not be answered as Gulf Coast's Lesly Rivera was fouled on a desperation three-point attempt just before the final buzzer. Rivera was able to successfully connect on the subsequent foul shots, forcing overtime.

The Commodores would go on to outscore the Pirates 16-7 in the additional period and secure the 91-82 victory.

With the loss, Pensacola State falls to 15-7 overall; 0-4 in conference play, while the Commodores move to 16-2 on the season; 8-2 in conference.

Jaida McDonald had a strong night, logging 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting with seven boards. Freshman, guard Talia Kemp recordered a double-double with 16 points and a season high 10 steals. Akeelah Bryan added 11 points for the Pirates.

Gulf Coast had five players score in double figures led by Clara Koulibaly with 19. Ja'Navia Gage snagged a game-high 20 rebounds for the Commodores.

Next Up: Pensacola State will begin round two of Panhandle Conference play on January 29, as they host Tallahassee Community College (9-10, 1-2) at the Hartsell Arena.