#TCCBasketball: James’ triple-double leads Eagles in opener

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (November 3, 2017) – Fueled by Japonica James' triple-double, NJCAA No. 7/Region 8 No. 3 Tallahassee Community College cruised to an 88-67 opening night win over host Arkansas Baptist College at the ABC Season Tip-off Classic on Friday evening. 

With 32 points, 13 rebounds and 10 steals, James became just the second player in school history to record a triple-double. Erica Brown authored Tallahassee's first – 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists – vs. North Florida Community College on February 21, 2007. 

James' 32 points also established a single-game high for a season opener, and that was just the beginning of a record-breaking night for the Eagles (1-0). 

Tallahassee established single-game records for assists (32) and steals (35) and its 64 first-half points is a program-high since the women started playing four quarters in 2015. 

Both teams came out firing and combined to score 53 first-quarter points as Tallahassee led 30-23. The Eagles all but put the game away with a 34-18 advantage in the second, resulting in a 64-41 halftime lead. 

Despite the superlatives, the Eagles left head coach Franqua "Q" Bedell with several areas to improve on when they return to the floor at noon eastern on Saturday against Angelina (Texas) College. Tallahassee hit just 14-of-35 free throw attempts, missed 25 lay-ups and turned the ball over a school-record 37 times. 

James was joined in double-figure scoring by three players all making their collegiate debut, including Jamyra McChristine, who had a double-double – 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

Nakiah Black and Victoria Pearce had 13 points each.