Lady Eagles fall to Chipola, 71-56

MARIANNA, Fla. (February 9, 2013) – Tallahassee Community College's postseason hopes were dealt a blow on Saturday evening, as Chipola College defeated the Lady Eagles, 71-56 in Panhandle Conference women's basketball action. 

Tallahassee (14-9) is now 3-6 in Panhandle Conference play, three games back of Gulf Coast State College (6-3) and Northwest Florida State College (6-3), with three games left in the regular season. The Lady Eagles must win out and hope one of those teams drop three straight in order to force a one-game playoff. 

Chipola (7-2), meanwhile, moved into sole possession of first place with the win and clinched a berth in the NJCAA Region 8/FCSAA Tournament. 

Tallahassee led 24-12 with 9:11 remaining in the first half, but Chipola closed on a 22-4 run and led 34-28 at the intermission. 

Tallahassee was within five points at the midway point of the second half, trailing 50-45, but an 11-3 run gave Chipola a 61-48 lead with 5:31 left. The Lady Eagles didn't get closer than nine points the rest of the game. 

Yanique Gordon scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds – both team-highs. Alexis Grant added 13 points. 

Tallahassee will return to action on Saturday, February 16 when it hosts Gulf Coast State College for a 5:30 p.m. tip.