Eagle Women remain unbeaten after Veterans’ Day Classic

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information
@brendenmartin28

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (November 11, 2014) – The Tallahassee Community College women's basketball team won its third straight game at the Veterans' Day Classic Tuesday evening, defeating The College of Central Florida 70-62.

Tallahassee (3-0) came into Tuesday evening's Veterans' Day Classic ranked No. 4 in the Florida College System Activities Association's (FCSAA) Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll, after winning its first two games of the season by a combined 74 points. 

The College of Central Florida (3-1) also came into Tuesday's contest unbeaten, winning each of its first three games by double digits. Central Florida is tied for the No. 6 spot in the FCSAA with Daytona State College (4-0). At the end of the night, only one team would walk out of the Bill Hebrock Eagledome unconquered. 

In honor of the proud veterans who have served in the United States military, Tallahassee debuted digital camouflage uniforms for Tuesday's game. 

The first half was up-tempo and aggressive defensively for both teams. Despite the tight coverage, the Eagles were able to knock down big shots from the perimeter. Sophomore guards Marija Pacar and Cat Wells had hot hands behind the three-point arc all night long, hitting shot after shot. 

The duo combined to hit six three-pointers in the first half, Pacar with two and Wells with four. All four of Wells' field goals in the first 20 minutes were three-pointers. The two led the team in scoring at the break, and were the leading scorers overall. 

Wells finished with 23 points and eight rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Pacar was great coming off the bench, putting up 15 points. The Eagles led the Patriots 40-31 heading back into the locker room at halftime. 

Tallahassee remained hot to start the second half, but Central Florida made the necessary adjustments at halftime to trim the Eagle lead. 

The Patriots got out in transition often, trying to wear down the Eagle defense. Although Tallahassee continued to knock down three-pointers, Central Florida kept the score close as the game approached its final minutes. 

Many Eagles stepped up in the final two minutes when it mattered most. Up by four with 1:38 to play, Pacar stepped in and took a charge under the basket, forcing a critical turnover. On the ensuing possession, the Eagles missed a shot which was rebounded by the Patriots. Defensive pressure from Benedicta Makakala allowed her to force a backcourt steal with just over a minute to play. 

After a clutch rebound and put-back by Wendion Bibbins and Wells, respectively, a number of different Eagles were able to ice the game from the free-throw line. The Eagles handed Central Florida its first loss of the season, squeaking out a 70-62 win. 

The Eagles will look to keep their winning streak alive on Friday, November 14 as they host Chattahoochee Valley (Ala.) Community College at 4 p.m eastern in the Bill Hebrock Eagledome as part of the Applebee's Women's Classic.