IRSC Men Win Conference Home Opener

Fort Pierce, Florida – The #12^th ranked Pioneers started off their conference schedule in the right way with a home victory over Hillsborough Community College 97-89.  The Indian River State College (IRSC) Men's Basketball Team are the reining Southern Conference Champions winning back-to back titles in 2021 and 2020.   "The Southern Conference has some really good teams this year, and we will need to be at our best every game to compete," pointed out IRSC Head Coach Charlie Wilson. 

The Pioneers high-powered offense, which is averaging 96.6 point per game, came out firing early and led 12-5 with 16:40 on the clock.  Kyle Feit drilled a three-point basket from the corner giving IRSC a 12-point lead, 35-23. The pace continued and the Pioneers closed out the half with the score being 47-34. 

The offensive production didn't slow in the second half for either team with 105 combined points being scored.  A.J. Cajuste scored on a tough lay-up increasing IRSC's lead to 18, 78-60 with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.  Hillsborough stepped up their offense hitting multiple three-point shots and pulled to within eight points with 3:14 left in the game.  Hillsborough was forced to foul and the Pioneers were able to convert enough free-throws to seal the win, 97-89.  The win moved IRSC's record to 15-2 and 1-0 in the Southern Conference.  Scoring leaders for the Pioneers were Bendji Pierre with 23, Feit 22, Jacob Tracey and Cajuste both with 15 and Jonathan Cisse added 12 points.

IRSC was scheduled to take on State College of Florida Manatee/Sarasota this Saturday in Bradenton Florida, but due to COVID protocol the game has been rescheduled for January 17^th.  The Pioneers next contest with be against Florida Southwestern College has also been postponed due to COVID protocols in the FSW program.