Double-digit games from Pacar, Riley not enough to upset No. 13 NWF

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information
@brendenmartin28

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 21, 2014) - The Tallahassee Community College women could not overcome a significant first half deficit, falling to Northwest Florida State College 71-54, on Tuesday evening in Panhandle Conference play. 

Tallahassee (10-12, 1-4 PC) came into Tuesday's game ranked No. 6 in the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll, moving up one spot in the rankings despite taking a tough twelve-point loss to arch-rival Chipola College in Panhandle Conference action last Tuesday. 

The Eagle women faced off against a Northwest Florida State (17-3, 4-1) team that is ranked No. 2 in the FCSAA and No. 13 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women's Top 25 National Poll. 

The Eagles were within striking distance until about the nine minute mark in the first half. At that point Northwest Florida State was able to find a hole in the Eagles' defense, and that hole was near the basket. 

The Raiders muscled their way inside, getting many high-percentage shots and broke open a double-digit lead before halftime. Northwest Florida State ended the first half up 43-27, with their largest lead being 17 points. They also grabbed four more offensive boards than the Eagles. 

Marija Pacar shined for the Eagles in the first half, scoring 15 points on five made three-pointers. Aariel Allen was able to put in some work on the glass, grabbing six rebounds. She had six points as well. 

The second half produced more of the same result. Despite Tallahassee being able to knock down some shots, it could not stop Northwest Florida State from getting to the rim. The run that the Raiders had to end the first half and carried over into the second 20 minutes proved to be the difference in the game. 

Two Eagles finished in double figures, but it was not enough to cut into the deficit. Pacar added three more points to her impressive shooting performance in the first half, finishing with 18 total points. Teleshia Riley was the second Eagle to put up double digits in the point column, finishing with ten. Speaking of double digits, Allen pulled down twelve rebounds with four coming on the offensive glass. 

The Eagle women have struggled in the Panhandle Conference so far this season, but have shown tremendous heart and effort on the court. Their next game is on the road Saturday evening against Pensacola State College, the same team Tallahassee dropped 91 points on earlier this month in a conference win.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. eastern.