The PCC men's basketball team opened the second semester with a 70-69 win over Crowley's Ridge College on Tuesday night. The Eagles previously defeated the Pioneers (4-10) in December in Pensacola by an 86-81 score. The first half was a back and forth contest with no team going up by more than four; but when the first half horn sounded, Crowley's Ridge was up by three having shown their strength around the basket as Cortez Whitaker led the Pioneers with 9 points. John Clay kept the Eagles close as he led the first half scoring with 13 points.
 
The second half began the way the first half ended with back and forth basketball. From the 15 minute mark down to ten minutes, Crowley's Ridge began to show their strength scoring 8 points in the stretch and shutting the Eagles out. PCC was also on the ropes as John Clay and Deric Woods each picked up their fourth fouls. But beginning at the ten minute mark, the Eagles began moving the ball better and found open shots for freshmen AJ Ward and Austin Lewis as each knocked down multiple three pointers and led the Eagles on a 17-4 run over the next five minutes. Strong defense by James Shodimu, Coty Pratt, and Christian Porter also contributed to the run. The final five minutes was back and forth with Coty Pratt and John Clay each getting to the free throw line and making shots at the end.
 
The Eagles were led by John Clay's 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals, Dakota Pratt with 14 points and 6 rebounds, and two other players scored in double figures, AJ Ward (11 points) and Austin Lewis (10 points). "We started our road trip with some good things tonight," stated Coach Goetsch, "keeping our turnovers to ten was key in helping us get good opportunities, 15 offensive rebounds extended possessions, and 22 points off turnovers were all keys to the win."
 
PCC travels to Laurel, MS, to take on Region newcomer Southeastern Baptist College Thursday evening in a 7:00 p.m. tip.