Bench Helps Lead Chipola Past Pensacola
January 20, 2008
By Chipola Staff
The Chipola Indians used a team high 16 points off the bench from sophomore point guard Malik Alvin, as the nation’s top ranked team ousted Pensacola 80-58 on Saturday night. The win improved the Indians to 22-0 on the season and 4-0 in Panhandle Conference play.
Chipola, the four time defending Panhandle Conference Champions, now holds a one game lead in the conference standings on Okaloosa-Walton (3-1) after the first round of league action.
“I thought our pressure enabled us to get out and run the floor in transition,” said Chipola coach Greg Heiar. “Malik was a big part of that effort.”
Alvin, a UTEP transfer, pressured the Pirate’s perimeter for much of the night, leading to Chipola fast-break opportunities on the other end.
Offensively, Alvin drove his way into the teeth of the defense, dishing out six dimes to the likes of sophomore Mario Edwards and freshman Gary Flowers. Alvin then burned the Pirate defense from the outside, connecting on both of his 3pt attempts.
Edwards, who signed to play next season at Coastal Carolina, had 13 points on the evening, 11 of which came in the first half. He also finished the night with a game high 7 assists, including an alley-hoop to freshman Torye Pelham that brought the crowd to their feet during a Chipola 20-6 run.
“This is what makes this league the toughest in the country,” said Heiar. “Night in and night out, you have to come ready to play, because it is going to be a battle.”
Freshman Vernon Teel also brought a spark off of the Indian bench. He finished the night with 13 points and a team high 9 rebounds, as Chipola’s depth turned a 36-31 halftime advantage into a twenty-two point victory.
Sophomore Mario Little had 12 points, including a 10 of 10 effort at the foul line.
Freshman Jon Kreft added 9 points off of the bench.
“I love these types of games,” added Heiar. “It was physical. Both teams were competing on every possession. And now we get to start round two.”
Chipola next plays host to Tallahassee on Saturday, January 26. The Eagles are 15-4 (1-3) on the season. Chipola defeated Tallahassee in the league opener back on January 5, 86-58.
The game can be seen live via webcast at 7:30 pm CST.