BY NATE HICKS
Whoever said “white men can’t jump” must have never met Pensacola State’s starting forward Justin Wright as he led the Pirates (15-7, 3-2) with a team high of nine rebounds Jan. 22 against Northwest Florida State (17-2, 2-3). The Pirates defeated the No.7 ranked Raiders 67-57. The win gives the Pirates sole possession of second place in the conference.
Wright kept the Raiders on their toes as he had two steals, and finished with a total of 12 points.
“It feels great to win,” Wright said after the game. “But now we have to sustain our place in the league.”
The game started off rocky but starting forward Darren Goodsen turned the tables as he ignited his team with a thundering Slam-dunk. With the help of starting guard Tyree Smith the Pirates pulled ahead in the first half by 15 points with just 4 minutes left before halftime. Smith played a huge role as he hit five consecutive points early in the game and finished with a total of 16 points. The Pirates remained in control the rest of the game.
Top point-getter was freshman guard Jeremy McKay. McKay finished strong with 18 points and also led the team with four assists.
The Pirates set the tempo for the game and forced some of the Raiders to foul out.. The Pirates added 20 points from the free-throw line, and 21 points on turnovers.
It was a team effort, according to Head Coach Pete Pena.
“We prepare mentally and physically to win each week, but you have to keep basketball what it truly is; a game,” Pena said.
The Pirates search for another victory Jan. 25 at Tallahassee Community College (16-7, 2-3).