Eagles defeat Hillsborough for Bedell’s first home win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (December 30, 2013) – Addesha Collins scored 29 points and Tyeshia Guinnie added 19 as FCSAA No. 7 Tallahassee Community College fended off a late rally from No. 8 Hillsborough Community College and defeated the Hawks 79-70 on day one at the Best Western Holiday Classic.

By claiming the rubber match in the teams' three-game season series, Tallahassee evened its record at 8-8 while dropping Hillsborough to 11-6.

Collins did most of her damage from free throw line, where she hit 16 of her 24 attempts, both single-game records for Tallahassee. The 16 made free throws tied Erica Brown for the Eagles' single-game mark, set against Pensacola State College on February 14, 2007, while the 24 attempts well surpassed the old mark of 19 held by Tonika Bruce, also against Pensacola State on January 18, 1997.

As a team, Tallahassee shot 33-of-49 from the charity stripe and tied a single-game record for attempts.

Collins also knocked down six of seven field goal attempts en route to her career-high scoring output.

Hillsborough's Rachel Reid opened the scoring with a three-point basket but that turned out to be the Hawks' only lead of the game. Tallahassee took control and went to the locker room in front 38-32.

The Eagles opened the second half on an 18-5 run, and Guinnie capped a 27-14 burst with a three-pointer to give Tallahassee a 65-46 lead with 11:16 left in the game.

Hillsborough made things interesting in the final two minutes, pulling within five points (70-65) but Tallahassee held on for the win, coach Franqua "Q" Bedell's first home victory as Tallahassee head coach.

Aariel Allen was credited with 13 rebounds, helping Tallahassee to a 45-35 advantage on the glass.

Simiah Blount led three Hillsborough players in double-figures with 21 points. Khaderja Young scored 15 and Ramonia Benitez added 12.

In the first game of the day, Central Georgia Technical College outlasted Pensacola State College, 109-100 in overtime, in the highest scoring women's game ever played at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome.

Tallahassee and Central Georgia Tech will open Tuesday's evening session with a 4:30 p.m. tip while Pensacola State and Hillsborough begin the day with a noon start.

Following the games each day, fans are invited to attend the Postgame Party with the Eagles served by Applebee's, located at 1400 Village Square Blvd.

Tallahassee Community College Athletics would like to thank the Leon County Tourist Development Council and Wendy's for serving as participating sponsors of the Best Western Holiday Classic.