Chipola’s Second Half Surge Dooms Shelton State
No. 6 Seed Chipola College took care of business, but it wasn’t easy. Shelton State CC (AL), the South District Champs, entered the contest with a 23-1 record, was coming off a first round victory versus Northeastern JC (CO), while Chipola had been sitting around for almost three days waiting for their opening contest.
As a top eight seed and receiving a first round bye doesn’t always work out the best. But it this case, Chipola was able to hold off a strong effort from the Bucs, to lead 73-60 at the final horn.
The first half ended with the Indians on top 32-31. The score was tied 3 times and there were 6 lead changes. Cold shooting (33%) was about the only thing that kept Shelton from taking a lead into intermission. Chipola made 14 turnovers but was able to offset that issue by hitting 48% (10-21).
The second half saw Chipola outpointed the Bucs 41-29 to seal the deal and advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday, April 22, against fellow Region 8 representative Indian River State College. That game will start at 8:00.
Chipola had balanced scoring from Carlos Lemus, Jaeden Zackery, and Nae’ Qwan Tomlin, tallying 19, 16, and 14 respectively. Tomlin added 9 boards and Lemus was tops with 6 helpers.
Willie Johnson had team high scoring honors for Shelton State with 15. Andres Burney double-doubled casting 12 points and 11 boards. Justin Bufford contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds.
