By Nathan Deen
Published on November 21, 2007
PJC gathered a 67-61 road win against Faulkner State University Tuesday night in what head coach Paul Swanson described as a “wild game.” Swanson pointed to signs of questionable officiating towards the end of the game.
“It was an extremely physical game,” said Swanson, who was proud of his team’s effort and believes they have taken a big step forward and hopes to build on this game going into their next one against Delgado Community College.
The first half included many lead exchanges and the Pirates trailed 26-25 at half time. The Pirates opened the second half with a 9-0 run and proceeded to open up a 17 point lead with 12:00 minutes remaining. Faulkner State hit a run of their own and cut the lead to just three, but PJC was able to hold on for the six-point win.
Forward Petras Balocka recorded another double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Lasha Parghalava scored a team high 16 points and forward Miles Taylor scored 15 points. Jerome Burgos also scored in double figures with 10 points.
PJC will head to New Orleans to play Delgado, a team whom the Pirates beat earlier in the season, on Friday. The game will be played in the New Orleans Arena and will proceed the NBA match-up between the New Orleans Hornets and the Memphis Grizzlies.