‘Til the Final Whistle: Allen’s 14 points and 14 rebounds not enough to slow down Chipola in Eagles’ season finale

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information
@brendenmartin28

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (February 18, 2014) - The Tallahassee Community College Eagles fell to top-ranked Chipola College 55-38 in Tuesday's matchup of longtime Panhandle Conference rivals. 

Tallahassee (12-17, 3-9 PC) came into Tuesday evening's game ranked No. 7 in the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll, seeking a win against top-ranked Chipola to end its season on a high note. 

Chipola (27-1, 11-0 PC), meanwhile, was looking to remain perfect in the Panhandle Conference and keep its nearly flawless season going. Chipola is ranked No. 1 in the FCSAA and No. 4 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women's Basketball Poll. 

If the Eagles were to lose in Tuesday's game against Chipola, they will have ended the regular season on a five-game losing streak. 

When you play a quick and athletic team like Chipola, you can expect the game to be up-tempo. The game pace was rapid. Both teams were trying to out-run one another and break out in transition. A turnover translated to an almost-automatic two points on the other end. 

The Eagles hung tough in the first half, not to be intimidated. They were able to push the tempo themselves, forcing Chipola to turn the ball over and get into foul trouble. The Indians had 13 personal fouls in the first 20 minutes. 

The game was close at the break with Chipola holding a small lead over the Eagles, 27-20. Marija Pacar was the difference maker for Tallahassee in the first half as she kept the Eagles in the game early on. She had nine points and six rebounds. Aariel Allen also had six rebounds. 

The second half still had the same quick tempo, and eventually the speed of Chipola was just too much for the Eagles to handle. A combination of Tallahassee turnovers and made shots by the Indians allowed Chipola to pull away as the clock ticked down. 

Tallahassee ended with ten more turnovers than Chipola. The Indians outscored Tallahassee 28-18 in the second half. 

Aariel Allen came to play in the second 20 minutes. She scored ten points and more than doubled her rebounding total in the second half. She finished the game with 14 points as well as 14 rebounds. 

Allen was one of four players recognized on Tuesday for Sophomore Night. She was joined by Addesha Collins, Tyeshia Guinnie and Jasmine Queen.