Indians Pass Top Ten Test
December 30, 2007
By Chipola Staff
Two weeks ago to the day, number one ranked Chipola needed to rally from down 20 points to eventually win in overtime. On Sunday, the Indians improved to 17-0 without as much anxiety, controlling for much of the game en route to a 73-66 win over #6 Three Rivers (Mo).
It was the first win over a top ten team for Chipola since last year’s National Semi-Final 96-90 win over CSI.
“I thought our bench played with a tremendous amount of energy,” said Chipola head coach Greg Heiar. “They came in and turned up the heat and really attacked the basket.”
Three Rivers jumped out to an early 10-7 lead with 14:52 to play in the first half. That’s when Chipola’s second unit came alive defensively, slowing down the Raiders fast start with stifling pressure.
During the next eight minutes, the Indians would go on a 17-3 run, propelling them to a 24-13 lead.
The margin stayed in double digits until early in the second period before the Raiders surged back, cutting the game to 49-48 with 11:58 to play in the game.
“Every game is a game of runs,” said Heiar. “This game was no different. We were playing a very well coached team that made adjustments and narrowed the game. But I’m really proud of the way we played on both ends of the floor tonight.”
Chipola would then go on a 16-6 run during the next four minutes, helping the Indians hand the Raiders only their second loss of the season.
“For having not played in two weeks (Christmas Break), I thought we were very well prepared for this game,” added Heiar. “This game will help us as we progress into conference play.”
Sophomore Clevin Hannah led a balanced scoring attack for the Indians with 13 points. Freshmen Vernon Teel and Jon Kreft followed with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Sophomore Mario Little and freshman Casey Mitchell each just missed double digits, adding 9 points a piece for Chipola.
The Indians finish off the non-conference schedule on Monday with a 1:30 pm CST tip against St. Lawrence College (Canada). The game is part of the Pensacola Holiday Classic.