Eagles rally but fall short at Gulf Coast State

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (February 15, 2014) – Tallahassee Community College made a furious rally in the final minutes but came up short at Gulf Coast State College, falling 61-59, to the Commodores on Saturday evening in Panhandle Conference women's basketball action.

Tallahassee is now 12-16 overall and 3-8 in Panhandle Conference play. By virtue of Northwest Florida State College's win over Pensacola State College, the Eagles are guaranteed no worse than a fourth-place finish in the PC standings. Tallahassee still has an outside shot at a share of third place but will need some help in the final week of the regular season.

Saturday's game appeared to be academic, as Gulf Coast State opened up close to a 20-point lead during the second half. Tallahassee responded, however, and when Marija Pacar converted on a putback with just under ten seconds left, the Eagles had pulled within a basket (61-59).

On the Commodores' ensuing possession, Tallahassee fouled Dominique Powell, who missed the front end of a one-and-one with four seconds remaining, giving the Eagles a chance to complete the comeback. Addesha Collins' halfcourt heave hit the backboard but didn't go in, leaving Tallahassee on the short end of the two-point game.

Gulf Coast State led throughout on Saturday and took a 35-25 lead to the locker room at the half. The Eagles outscored the Commodores in the second half, 34-26, but didn't have quite enough in the tank to complete the comeback.

Collins and Jasmine Queen scored 16 points each to pace Tallahassee. Aariel Allen added nine while Pacar chipped in with eight. Benedicta Makakala and Tyeshia Guinnie scored five points each.    

The Eagles will close the 2013-14 season at home on Tuesday when they host Chipola College on Sophomore Night at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.