Pioneers Upset #5 Team in the Nation

GAINESVILLE, FL - In a battle of unbeaten teams Saturday 9-0 Indian River State College faced off with 9-0 Chipola Junior College who was currently ranked #5 in the NJCAA National Poll. The Pioneers managed to build double digits leads in both halves all though a tough Chipola team, coached by former University of Tennessee Head Coach Donnie Tyndall, was able to make several runs to take the lead in both halves as well. However, the Pioneers would make one final run with 8 minutes left in the game to secure the lead for good and pull away with a 97-83 victory.

IRSC was led by Mostapha El Moutaouakkil with 38 points, as well as a great performance by Mykol Sanchez with 26 points on 6 3's. Jayshayne Woodard neared a triple-double again with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists. Deng Majak also reached double figures scoring 15 points and securing 6 rebounds.

Coach Morosco after the game: "I'm extremely proud of our guys. They've had this game circled for months now and I'm glad they stepped up to meet the moment. This group has felt like its had a lot to prove this season and I think they're starting to prove the doubters wrong. Give Chipola a lot of credit, we got up a few different times on them and they wouldn't stop fighting. They're a great team that we could certainly see in Niceville at the end of the season."

This is the 4^th time in 5 years that a Coach Morosco led team has beaten a top 5 team in the country. In 2020 the Independence Pirates defeated #5 Cowley Tigers. In 2021 the Pirates beat #2 and eventual National Champions Coffeyville Red Ravens and in 2022 the Garden City Broncbusters beat the #5 Hutchinson Blue Dragons.

The Pioneers next Home Game is Tuesday, December 5, at 5pm against Mid-Florida Academy on Mike Leatherwood Court.

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