by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 2/1/16 at 10:31 PM
The Fightin' Reformers tried everything in their power to lose a second heartbreaking loss to Earle Street Baptist but were able to make just enough plays down the stretch and dodge a bullet at the buzzer to escape with a 33-31 victory. "This was a complete team effort" said leading scorer Hugh Carson. Carson was being doubled teamed all night as Earle Street was insistent on not letting TCC's "Bearded Wonder" beat them. He was harassed on every shot, but still managed to lead the team with 10 points. Defensive dynamo Daniel Brown once again made a huge defensive play when he stripped the ball and went coast to coast for an easy two with TCC clinging to a one point lead. Brown finished with 7 points. Donny Mathis chipped in 7 points as well and was instrumental in the ball movement that helped TCC take control of the game in the second half.
The unsung hero of the game was Jonathan Chasteen who hit a massive three pointer late in the second half and led the team in rebounding with 10. "He was an integral part of what we were trying to do tonight" said Malcolm Burgess. Randy Pifer scored 4 points, but no points were bigger than the two free throws he hit with under a minute to play to give TCC a three point lead. Pifer also recorded 3 blocked shots, a TCC record. He did, however, almost throw the game away on the last play of the game. With 5 seconds left, TCC was inbounding under Earle Streets basket. Pifer threw it long to Brown who was running down the middle of the court. The pass was intercepted by Earle Street and they were able to get off a desperation heave that bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
"We play really well in the middle of halves, but its the first few minutes and last few minutes of each half that we seem to struggle" said Sam Ali. TCC was without F/C Tim Smerdon who had to take his wife Tina out for her birthday! The TCCNN wants to wish Tina a happy birthday! "This victory was our present to her" said GM Pifer after the game.
TCC has shown marked improvement since the first few games of the season and are currently on a two game winning streak which is the longest in franchise history. If The Reformers can pull out a victory next week they will accomplish something no team in TCC or CGBC history has been able to accomplish by finishing .500 or better. A grassroots social media campaign has sprung up entitled #StriveForFive. This signifies the teams goal to win their final game to give them a 5-5 record on the season.
Next Monday night, February 8, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Taylor's First Baptist Church is TCC Presents: Fan Appreciation Night. The entire team encourages all the fans of TCC to make the trip out to Taylors for the game. There will be a collectable program, and Amber Mathis, wife of Donny has promised to lead some organized cheers. Fans are encouraged to bring posters, noise makers, #StriveForFive paraphernalia and fill the stands in support of The Reformers. Any fan who attends will get a shout out on this blog! Make your plans now to join in on the fun!
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