Foul Play: Collins’ 27 lead Eagle women past Gulf Coast State

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information
@brendenmartin28

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 28, 2014) - The Tallahassee Community College Eagles defeated Gulf Coast State College 66-58 in Tuesday's physical Panhandle Conference matchup. 

Tallahassee (12-12, 3-4 PC) came into Tuesday's game ranked No. 7 in the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll and looking to get back to .500 on the season while picking up another solid Panhandle Conference win. 

The Eagles faced off against a tough Gulf Coast State (18-4, 2-4 PC) team that was trying to turn around its performance in conference play. All of the Commodores losses this year have come at the hands of a Panhandle Conference rival. 

The Eagles' game plan was to come out and set the tempo from the outset. They were able to push the pace, get into the paint and draw a number of fouls. As the fouls mounted for Gulf Coast State, so did Tallahassee's free throw total. The Eagles shot 22 free throws and knocked down 18 in the first 20 minutes, which helped them to a commanding 39-21 lead at the break. 

Gulf Coast State eventually got it together in the second half and made the game interesting. As a team, the shooting percentage increased by 15 percent, and they hit three shots from behind the arc after shooting 0-for-6 from three in the first half. 

The fouls would prove to be a difference maker in the game. Three players for Gulf Coast State fouled out and the Commodores were whistled for 29 total fouls in the game. That led to a 28-11 advantage at the free throw line for Tallahassee.  

Despite being outscored 37-27 in the second half, it was the Eagles who had the last laugh as they were able to pull off the upset. 

Addesha Collins was the Eagle of the Game, finishing with 27 points. She hit a Tallahassee record 17 free throws, eclipsing the mark of 16 she tied earlier this season. Her 23 attempts was one short of matching a record she established on that same night. 

Jasmine Queen also finished in double figures with eleven. Aariel Allen has been a solid rebounder all season and she was able to grab seven on Tuesday, as well as score seven points. 

The Eagles will take this momentum on the road with them as they head to Chipola College on Saturday, February 1. Chipola won the first matchup between these two teams back on January 14 and is undefeated in the Panhandle Conference and has just one loss overall. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. eastern and the game will be carried by Panhandle Sports Broadcasting.