Pirates Sink No. 10 Commodores

Pensacola State 61  Gulf Coast State 56

The Pirates' hot streak continued as they went on the road and picked up a much-needed Panhandle Conference win at no. 10 Gulf Coast.

Pensacola fell behind 9-0 early but regrouped, closing out the first stanza on a 14-6 run. The second period was back and forth as the two squads took turns seizing and surrendering the lead; however, the Commodores edged the Pirates 35-32 at the break.

Gulf Coast extended its lead to 39-33 early in the third, but the Pirates responded and took a 44-43 lead at the 5:04 mark. After more intense action, the Commodores led 48-46 going into the fourth. The Pirates established their largest lead at 56-49 in the final period and held on to secure the 61-56 win.

This second consecutive NJCAA Top-10 upset positions the Pirates for a Region-8 Tournament berth.

Point guard Talia Kemp paced the Pirates with 19 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and five assists. Audreonia Benson added 12 points as the Pirates' top scorers.

Clara Koulibaly led the Commodores with 13 points and nine boards.

Next Up: Pensacola State remains hopeful to be selected as the final Region-8 team eligible to participate in the state tournament hosted at Northwest Florida State from March 12-15.