By Nathan Deen
Published on January 30, 2008
Familiar game trends frequently popped up during the PJC men’s basketball team’s 86-66 loss to Gulf Coast Community College on Saturday night. Once again, PJC significantly out-rebounded their opponent and still lost the game.
“I’ve never had a team,” said head coach Paul Swanson, “that has consistently out-rebounded the opponent and consistently gotten more penetrations and not won.”
Swanson emphasized three things his team needs to improve upon: minimizing turnovers, making free throws, and shooting a higher field goal percentage. In Saturday night’s game, PJC had 24 turnovers, shot only 52 percent from the foul line, and shot 41 percent from the field.
The game remained close throughout the first half until Gulf Coast pulled ahead by seven just before halftime. The Commodores carried that momentum into the second half and lead by double digits with just less than ten minutes remaining.
PJC didn’t give up. The Pirates tried to slowly work their way back into the game and found themselves down by just ten with less than three minutes remaining. After scoring three straight baskets, PJC was looking for a defensive stop. They appeared to have one as Gulf Coast was in bounding the ball with just two seconds on the shot clock but GCCC forward Brad Reese got open and hit a momentum back-breaking 3-pointer. PJC was forced to start fouling and taking quick shots while Gulf Coast converted on most of their free throws down the stretch.
Reese led Gulf Coast with 20 points followed by sophomore point guard Ben Vega with 17 points. Gulf Coast had five players score in double figures.
Lasha Parghalava led PJC with 17 points but also had six turnovers. Miles Taylor had 13 points.
PJC will play at No. 1 ranked Chipola on Tuesday night. Tip-off at 7:30 p.m.