Pioneers pick up second conference win at home in overtime

It's always an exciting match up when Eastern Florida and Indian River State College women's basketball teams face off in conference action. This game would prove no different. Eastern Florida who has won the conference title the last two seasons, has come out on top of the Pioneers in their last few encounters.

Opening minutes of the first quarter were plagued by IRSC's missed scoring opportunities and dominated by Eastern Florida's barrage of three point shots that the River looked completely unprepared for. The Titans jumped to a very quick 13-7 lead hitting three straight uncontested three point shots that had the Pioneers shell shocked at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter found a bit more balanced effort but yet again Eastern Florida's three point shooting stalled out the Pioneers defensive efforts and Eastern Florida won the second quarter 20-14. The Pioneers finding themselves down at halftime 33-21 went into the locker room to re-group.

A determined and more driven River team came out ready to attack the rim and the third quarter found Eastern Florida in foul trouble. The Titans sent the Pioneers to the line ten times which helped to push them to a third quarter run over Eastern 15-9. But that was still not enough to gain the lead as Eastern maintained the overall score of 42-36. The fourth quarter proved to be the biggest battle of the night between Eastern and Indian River as the final minutes were looming. The Pioneers would go on a defensive rampage holding the Titans scoreless for over four minutes in the start of the final quarter, but only converting one basket to stall out the scoring at 42-38. Eastern yet again behind the arc hit another four three's to keep IRSC at bay, but the Pioneers fought back attacking the rim and getting to the free throw line. Finally taking the lead in the closing minutes of the game 55-52, IRSC managed to give up a critical three point shot to Eastern that tied up the game. IRSC then transitioned down the floor to turn the ball over giving the Titans one last shot to pull off the win, but the layup missed. With a score of 55-55 the game was headed to overtime.

With the game tipping off at center court one more time, the Pioneers were focused on finishing on top. They took their fourth quarter defensive efforts and carried them over into the final five minutes of play holding the Titans to only three points. Eastern finishing the game with three players fouled out and another two in foul trouble sent the Pioneers to the line 13 times in overtime contributing to the Pioneers 16 overtime points. The Pioneers picked up their second conference win in an overtime battle with Eastern that finished 71-61.

Sophomore Annette Dukes defensive efforts contributed highly to the victory over Eastern as well as finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds. Guard Keona Cadore finished with 17 points, she went 11 for 13 total free throw line and contributed to the overtime win when she hit 5 for 6 at the line. Freshman Soriah Sidaui hit three 3 point shots and went 1 for 2 from the free throw line to chip in 10 points and Elaine Field had 5 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pioneers are now 2-2 in conference play and 4-15 overall for the season. They will face Broward College at home this Saturday at 2:00 with a double header with the men to follow at 4:00.