The Chipola Indians (22-4) used a strong defensive performance to hold Shelton State to its second lowest point total of the season and moved on to the quarterfinals where they will face a familiar foe.
The Buccaneers came into the game averaging 81.2 points per game and were held to their lowest output this season since a 54-52 over Wallace State (Hanceville) on February 2. The Indians held the Bucs to their lowest field goal percentage of the season, 27.7 percent, well below their season average of 43.7 percent. The Bucs were a paltry 4-of-24 from three point range despite averaging 33.4 percent from beyond the arc this season.
Having not played in nearly two weeks, it took some time for the Indians to get going offensively. Carlos Lemus led the way for the Indians, scoring 19 points including a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Jaeden Zackery chipped in 16 and Nae'Qwan Tomlin was also in double figures with 14.
Three pointers from Jaeden Zackery and Carols Lemus were the only points scored in the first four minutes of the game as the teams struggled to get much going offensively. Chipola maintained the advantage until the Bucs' Willie Johnson hit a three with eight and a half minutes remaining in the first half to give Shelton their first lead, 15-14.
The lead would change hands four different times in the final eight minutes of the half. LWith just under five seconds remaining, Carlos Lemus sank two free throws after being fouled on a drive to the basket, to give Chipola a 32-31 edge at the half.
Shelton would score on their first possession of the half to move out in front of the Indians and took their largest lead of the game, 39-34, on an old fashioned three-point play converted by Thaddeus Williams, with just over seventeen minutes remaining in the game.
The Indians used a 9-0 run over the next four minutes of the game to take the lead for good as the defensive pressure became too much for the Bucs. The Indians forced the Bucs into 11 turnovers in the second half and Naheem McLeod began to make his presence known underneath as he blocked six shots and hauled in six rebounds.
Chipola will take on the number 14 seed, Indian River State College, a team the Indians defeated in the FCSAA Championship, 88-75, back on April 10. The Indians and Pioneers will tip-off at 8 PM Thursday night from Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kansas.
From Coach Tyndall
"I was pleased with our defensive intensity and effort but we simply have to take better care of the basketball. I thought Shelton State and their coaching staff did a great job. I have a ton of respect for Joe (Eatmon, Shelton State Head Basketball Coach) and it was a hard fought win."
Tournament Notes
- Three of the top eight seeds have been defeated. #4 John A. Logan College lost to #13 Ranger College, 87-75. #10 Coffeyville Community College blew out #7 Odessa College, 95-56. Indian River earned their spot in the quarterfinals with a 94-82 win over #3 seed College of Southern Idaho.
- Texas and Florida are guaranteed to have a team playing in the final four.