In a game dominated by poor shooting from both sides, the Tallahassee Community College Eagles defeated the Faith (Ga.) Baptist Crusaders 69-59 in the first game of both team’s seasons.
Tallahassee shot 21-72 from the field, and 2-17 from three-point range. Tallahassee head coach Mark White said it’s the lowest field goal percentage his team has ever had in a victory. He attributes it to his team’s stout defense.
“It [the success on defense] is the reason I believe what I believe and my philosophy is what it is,” said White
Tallahassee forced 20 turnovers, which helped keep Faith Baptist’s offense from running effectively.
The game was close throughout. With five minutes left in the game, Tallahassee had a slim 61-56 lead. Freshman Tre Todd sank a three-pointer with 4:43 left in the game. This was the start of an 8-1 run by the Eagles to put them on top.
Sophomore David Simmons had eight points and seven rebounds, he said that the last few minutes of the game are what the team needs to build on.
“Probably the last two minutes of the game when we really separated ourselves a little bit,” Simmons said. “I was like ‘if we can play like this the whole 40 minutes, then I think we have a chance.”
The Eagles’ next game is Friday, Nov. 4. They take on Atlanta Metro State College at 7:30 p.m. in the Seals Financial Tip-Off Classic.
