The Chipola men, the number one team in the FCSAA, picked up a Region VIII win on Sunday afternoon in Raider Arena in Niceville. The Indians defeated Miami-Dade College (4-5), 85-47, for its eighth win of the season.

The Indians used an 18-2 run late in the first half to pull away from the Sharks and forced 9 turnovers in the first twenty minutes of play. Nine different players scored for Chipola in the first half as the Indians led at the break, 44-25. 

After the Sharks hit a three to begin the second half, the Indians went on a 12-0 run. Lance Erving hit three 3-pointers in the opening minutes of the second half to increase the Indians' lead to 28 with only three minutes off the clock.

Chipola men continued to widen the gap throughout the remainder of the half, shooting 56.0 % from the field. After making seven 3-point baskets in the first half, the Indians would add eight more from long range in the second. The 15 three pointers for the game tied the season high from the opening night of the season against Davidson-Davie Community College.

For the game, the Indians shot 29-of-52 (55.8%) and held their opponents to just 14-for-43 (32.6 %). Chipola also forced 18 Miami-Dade turnovers and outrebounded the Sharks 32-22.

Once again, Faizon Fields had a big night around the rim. Fields finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and two blocked shots. Kris Gardner also scored 12 points, a season-high for the sophomore guard. Carlos Lemus also hit double-figures with 11 points and narrowly missed a double-double. His eight rebounds led the way for the Indians.

Chipola will take on Georgia Highlands on Friday at 7 PM in the Chipola Classic at the Milton H. Johnson Center. Gulf Coast will take on South Georgia Technical College in the first game that evening at 5 PM.

On Saturday, the same four teams will take the court at The Milt. Gulf Coast will battle Georgia Highlands at 1 PM followed by Chipola and South Georgia at 3 PM.