Chipola Holds Off Okaloosa-Walton

The #3 nationally ranked Chipola College Indians used 23 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds from sophomore guard Jamarcus Ellis to help propel them to a 74-63 victory on Tuesday evening over #6 Okaloosa-Walton.  The win moves Chipola to 23-1 (6-1) on the season and a game up on Tallahassee in the win column in Panhandle Conference play.

“We did a pretty good job of executing on both ends of the floor,” said Chipola head coach Greg Heiar.  “All of our guys did a good job of attacking within our offense and playing within the scouting report.”

Chipola trailed the game 0-3 during the opening 1:36 of play.  However, the Indians would then go on a 25-5 run and never trailed again. 

“I was very happy with the effort tonight,” said Heiar.  “Despite us getting out rebounded (34-41), I thought we did a great job of competing.  OW is a very physical team on the boards.  We need to keep working on finding bodies and boxing out on every possession.”

Okaloosa-Walton was able to cut the deficit to 54-52 with 8:18 to play in the game.   However, Chipola countered with a 20-11 run down the stretch.

Sophomore Victor Dubovitsky had 13 points on a 6 of 12 shooting night while grabbing 4 rebounds from his wing position.  Sophomore DeAndre Thomas and freshman Skyler Williams each added 10 points to the Chipola cause.

 “It was a good win but now we have to move on and get ready for the next one,” added Heiar.  “Tallahassee will be another big game with a lot on the line.”

The Indians travel to play #13 Tallahassee next Tuesday evening (Feb 6).  Tallahassee defeated Chipola in double overtime (92-97) just 11 days ago.  That is the Indians only loss on the season.