Eagles bounce back, beat Pensacola State at home

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (February 18, 2023) — After losing consecutive games for the first time this season, TCC Men's Basketball bounced back with an 81-57 win against Pensacola State inside the Bill Hebrock Eagledome on Saturday. 

"It's finally good to see my team back," said head coach Rick Cabrera. For the first time this season, his team had to deal with a losing streak, dropping consecutive games at Chipola and Northwest Florida State. 

"One of our rules is to never lose two in a row," said Cabrera. "I have to be honest, it hasn't been easy." Cabrera ultimately believes the spirit his team has helps them push through adversity, which they did in a big way on Saturday.

Addison Patterson (G, Soph.) was TCC's leading scorer with 17 points, shooting 7-14 from the field. Malachi Davis added 15 points, 8 of which came in the second half on 3-4 shooting. It was the 16th game in which Davis scored in double figures. 

"Malachi Davis is, and I've said it from day one, from a talent-perspective, one of the most talented guards in the country," said Cabrera, "and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. He's talented and the sky is the limit for him," said Cabrera. "When he is going, our team is going."

RayQuan Taylor (F/C, Soph.) played just eight minutes off the bench for TCC, but found different ways to contribute when he got the opportunity. He scored 10 points and added 7 rebounds. 

"He's always ready when his number is called," said Cabrera about Taylor's performance. "He has never questioned his minutes to me. He just says coach I'm ready whenever you need me." 

Okechukwu Okeke (F/C, Soph.) says Taylor pushes him to work harder at practice. 

"He pushes me on a whole new level to keep going," said Okeke. "If I feel like I'm getting comfortable, then I realize it's time to step it up."

Okeke finished the game with 12 points and 4 rebounds of his own. 

The Eagles travel to Gulf Coast State on Wednesday in their penultimate regular season game. A win in Panama City would put the Eagles in place to claim a share of the Panhandle Conference Championship on Saturday at home against Chipola. TCC has won the Panhandle Conference in two of the last three seasons. The game will be streamed on Gulf Coast State's website and will tip off at 8:30 PM EST.