Saving The Best For Last, Tallahassee Bests Trinidad, Barely
March 20, 2023 (Hutchinson, KS) – In the final game of day one at the NJCAA Men’s DI National Tournament, #12 Tallahassee CC pulled one out over #21 seed Trinidad State College just in the nick of time.
The 78-75 come from behind victory for the Eagles put themselves into the round of sixteen where they will face #5 seed Salt Lake CC Wednesday, at 2:00.
Trinidad State, led by 12 late in the first half, and by 10 at the intermission, 44-34. But it wasn’t to be, as the Eagles won the second half 44-31, to put away the Trojans by the score of 78-75.
Trinidad still led by 5, 75-70 with just over a minute to play, but Tallahassee ended on a 8-0 run to gain the lead and the win.
The Trojans leading scorer (6th best in the nation at 23.3 ppg) Dejour Reaves got a wide-open look from three on the right wing with 7 seconds remaining down two 77-75, but the shot sailed over the rim and left TSC out of luck, and out of time.
Isaiah Cathey snagged the errant shot and was fouled at the :04 mark. Cathey made one of two FTs to make the final 3 point margin and give the Eagles their 29th victory against 5 losses.
Tallahassee had three players with 10+ points led by Malachi Davis’ game high 31. JaQuavian Florance tallied 17 and Tom Mark piled on 16. Florence added 7 rebounds for the cause.
Trinidad had four double digit performers in the loss. Reaves popped for 28, accompanied by team high 6 rebounds. Next up was Jailen Bedford with 17 points/5 rebounds. Keliese Frye and Chase McWhite each contributed 11.
Trinidad ends their season 23-8. Tallahassee ( committed 25 turnovers compared to only 8 for TSC,
