Tallahassee too much for Gadsden State in Best Western Holiday Classic finale

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (December 31, 2013) – Four players scored in double-figures for FCSAA No. 4 Tallahassee Community College as the Eagles defeated Gadsden State (Ala.) Community College, 97-70, in Tuesday's final game of the Best Western Holiday Classic.

Tallahassee concludes non-conference play at 11-5 and opens the Panhandle Conference portion of its schedule at 8:30 p.m. eastern Saturday with a showdown at defending conference champion Northwest Florida State College. The game will be carried by Panhandle Sports Broadcasting at www.PSBlive.com.

Tuesday's game was never in doubt as the Eagles jumped out to a 26-8 lead seven minutes into the game. The lead grew to 26 by the half (54-28) and the Eagles cruised from there, leading by as many as 38 points near the midway point of the second half.

Dirk Williams led the Eagles' quartet of double-figure scorers with 25 points. Marlon Johnson added 16. Eric Nottage scored 15 and Elmo Stephen added 12.

Tallahassee's success was due in large part to shooting 57.4 percent (35-of-61) from the floor, including 60.6 percent (20-of-33) in the first half. The Eagles also claimed a 47-35 advantage on the boards.

Jay Watkins led Gadsden State with 23 points. Darius Bush added 12 to lead four reserves who got into the scoring column. Three players, including Jeremiah Haynes, added three points each off the bench for the Cardinals (8-6).

In Tuesday's first men's game, Eastern Florida State College defeated East Mississippi Community College, 79-72.