Lindsey Chavers
Published: December 6, 2006
The PJC men’s basketball team lost four of their past six games, ending their previous six-game winning streak, due to many misfortunes.
Because of sickness and injuries, the Pirates went into the games weak.
“We’ve had the flu,” said Head Coach Paul Swanson. “Two guys got it and were out, and then two more, and the staff too.”
On Nov. 23, the Pirates were able to play their first game in the newly renovated Lou Ross Center at the Thanksgiving Appreciation Classic. They were handed their first loss of the season with an 83-72 loss to Clinton CommunityCollege of Rock Hill, S.C.
PJC was hoping to redeem themselves in their next match on Saturday, Nov. 25, against Missouri State University West Plains. But with their recent run of luck and flu, that was not possible. They lost 104-82.
Swanson said the losses could have also been attributed to a lack of practice time.
“We need more practice,” Swanson said. “We’ve had lots of games and no time for practices, which we need in order to focus on the fundamentals more.”
The Pirates also lost to Bishop State Community College 79-77 in overtime, on Nov. 30.
In the opening game of the Panhandle Shootout in Marianna on Dec. 1, PJC lost to Abraham Baldwin College 89-81.
But the Pirates were able to snatch two wins in the midst of all the troubles.
After two losses in the Shootout, PJC was ready for a win. Thanks to Miles Taylor’s 23 points and Vernon Carr’s 18, the Pirates defeated Marion Military Institution, 98-77.
They also overcame Alabama Southern Community College in a 64-53 victory. The Pirates were led by Sasha Parghalava who scored 20 points and three steals. He was aided by Carr’s 11 points and five rebounds.