TCC Wins on Fan Appreciation Night

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 5:16 PM on 1/30/18

The Fightin' Reformers looked at the schedule when it was released and circled the game against REZ for Fan Appreciation Night 2018.  TCC had handily beaten REZ by 35 points in the early season match up and appeared ready to cruise to an easy victory in front of a packed house full of TCC fanatics.  After falling behind quickly, 9-2, REZ called a timeout, not wanting a repeat of last game.  This tactical strategy seemed to work wonders as TCC forgot how to box out and rebound the ball for the remainder of the first half.  Super-fan Brandon Simpson had to be held back from entering the game.  "Someone needs to rebound and box out, I'll do it myself if I have to" he shouted!

TCC still held the lead the entire first half, thanks to some nice shooting by Hugh Carson, Ryan LaPierre and Ben Davis.  Jordon Cobb, playing in only his third game this season thanks to an injury riddle rookie season, was quite effective in his return with some clutch defensive stops and a key basket late in the game.  Daniel Brown was a defensive wizard once again with a team high five steals.

The Reformers we playing without two key players in the front court.  Patrick Gomer missed his second game of the year, and Randy Pifer missed the first game of his storied TCC/CGBC career.  His incredible streak of never missing a game came to an end thanks to his "eminent death flu" that nearly ended him.  He was still able to attend the game and his presence alone was enough to push the team over the edge to pull out the win.  "When Randy played we won by 35, when he didn't we only won by 5.  Guess he is worth 30 points per game" said Karla Simpson.  Her deductive reasoning seems to check out.

REZ continued to fight in the second half and TCC went cold from the floor.  There was a 4 minute stretch where TCC did not score and REZ was hitting crazy shot after crazy shot.  With under 3 minutes to play, REZ hit a three to take their first lead of the game.  The Reformers answered with a layup to reclaim the lead, but REZ hit another three to take a 2 point lead with under 2 minutes to play.

With under a minute to play and TCC down by 1, Brown clamped down with 3 of his steals, including a beautiful highlight-reel left handed finish on which he was fouled.  He missed the free throw, but TCC was able to finish the game with defense and free throws to win 54-49.  With 2 game remaining on the schedule TCC sits at 5-3.  A final record of 7-3 would be the best record in TCC history.  Earle Street and Edwards Road are all that stand in their way of #sevenwouldbeheaven!