Numbers Never Lie?

Eagle men fall short in opening round despite outrebounding Titans, fighting valiantly in throwback slobberknocker. 

Written By Ariel Bedford 

TCC is not easily swayed when placed in an underdog role. In fact, many who witnessed the 2015-’16 Men’s Basketball team go on a storied run to place as runner-ups in the FCSAA Championships would tell you that squad thrived in it. Unfortunately, a similar story cannot be told for the 2016-’17 group. 

After a contest that at times resembled an early 90’s NBA playoff series/Arch Rivals video game, mental and physical toughness obviously stood out as elements lacking from a highly talented collection of players it appeared were destined for their own deep gallop. 

“I think St. Pete came out with a plan where they wanted to just play tough. Outtough us,” laments Assistant Coach Steve Cherry postgame. “They knew that we were limited on the numbers...I think they just had a plan to be physical.” 

After an initial proverbial “punch in the mouth” at the hands of the Titans which saw them jump out 19-8 on the Eagles with just over 9 minutes left in the first half, TCC did show some grit-hitting back on the offensive glass while attempting to match their opponents intensity and physicality, to a degree. 

Despite having five more second chance points and six more points off the bench, Tallahassee couldn’t overcome pivotal makes by Saint Petersburg College Guard Ahmad Clark. The freshman led all players with 23 points, including a pair of dagger threes early in the second half that quelched a couple of treys from Eagle PG and Stone Mountain native Kiair Crouch, keeping the pressure on TCC to climb a mountain that proved too steep. 

Normally when a team has 13 offensive rebounds to their opponents three in the first half, said team should take a lead into the locker room. The Eagles found themselves down three, with many of their teammates succumbing in the line of fire. Star David Simmons played through the majority of his well over 30 minutes on the floor with an apparent arm injury, while Couch struggled with leg cramping/ankle problems throughout the contest. 

No one will look for excuses after being defeated in the opening round from the Blue and Gold side. Yet considering how many wins this unit amassed together, finishing with three more than last year’s magical team, one can only wonder what could have been.