Banks, Eagles fly past Hillsborough in Capital Courtyard Classic opener

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (November 19, 2015) - Sabrina Banks posted a double-double and three other players scored in double-figures for NJCAA Region 8 No. 6 Tallahassee Community College in a 70-57 win over Hillsborough Community College on day one action at the Capital Courtyard Classic

Banks recorded game-highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds as Tallahassee snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 4-3. Hillsborough dropped to 3-5 with the loss.

Banks was joined in double-figures by Eboni Watts with 16, Janessa Murphy with 14 and Monique Calliste with 13. All three players had seven rebounds each as Tallahassee dominated the boards, 54-39, including 24 offensive rebounds.

The game was back and forth for much of the first quarter. After Tallahassee scored four unanswered points to break an 8-all tie, Hillsborough scored the next eight and took a 16-12 lead on a pair of Jhade Hayes free throws with 2:20 remaining in the quarter.

Calliste keyed the next run, an 8-0 surge by Tallahassee, that ended with a Destoni Willock free throw to give the Eagles a 20-16 lead. Tallahassee led 20-19 after the first quarter and never trailed again.

Leading 38-30, the Eagles increased their lead to 11 when Murphy knocked down a three-pointer on the first possession of the third quarter. Hillsborough pulled to within five (41-36) before Tallahassee all but put the game away with a 14-2 run.

The Eagles led 55-40 after the third quarter and coasted home in the fourth for the victory.

In high school play on day one at the Capital Courtyard Classic, IMG Academy defeated TPLS Christian Academy, 65-51, and Forest Trail Academy down The Rock School, 57-30.

Day two of the Capital Courtyard Classic tips off at 1 p.m. Friday and features four games, concluding with Tallahassee and Atlanta Metro State College squaring off at 7:30 p.m. Friday's game can be seen live on TCCeagles.com. 

Tallahassee Community College Athletics would like to thank the Leon County Tourist Development Council and Chick-fil-A West Tennessee Street for its support of the Capital Courtyard Classic.