TCC outlasts South Georgia Tech, improves to 5-1

Box Score (html 23.94 kB)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (November 18, 2008) – Behind Marvell Waithe’s 39 points and 21 rebounds, Tallahassee Community College defeated South Georgia Tech, 96-81, on Tuesday evening at the Eagledome.

Waithe’s 39-point effort equaled the third-best individual scoring performance in TCC history. Willie Perry scored 39 against Gulf Coast Community College on January 16, 1992. Marvis “Bootsy” Thornton holds the single-game record with 41 points against Northwest Florida State College on February 24, 1997. Marcus Hatten scored 40 against Chipola College on February 26, 2001.

Tuesday was also Waithe’s second 20-rebound game of the season.

TCC (5-1) had to rally from a 13-point deficit early in the second half to claim its fourth straight victory. The Eagles trailed 46-44 at the half and, after the Jets opened the second half on a 12-1 run, found themselves behind 58-45 with 15:47 left in the game.

Reserve guard Zuri James scored consecutive baskets to begin a 25-2 run that turned the game in the Eagles’ favor. The offensive spurt ended with 11 straight points from Waithe, culminating with his fourth three-pointer that put TCC in front, 70-60, with 7:05 left in the game.

Waithe hit 11-of-19 from the floor, was a perfect 4-for-4 behind the arc and connected on 13-of-19 from the foul line.

TCC shot 59.3 percent (16-of-27) in the second half, outscoring the Jets, 52-35. The Eagle defense limited South Georgia Tech to 36.0 percent shooting (27-of-75) on Tuesday night, holding the Jets 15 points under their scoring average through the first five games.

Jamel Brazeal scored 14 points off the bench for TCC. Hugh Robertson added 12 while James scored 10.

Jamar Moore grabbed 12 rebounds as he and Waithe helped TCC to a 55-37 advantage on the boards.

Tyson Randolph led five players in double figures for South Georgia Tech (5-1) with 15 points.

The Eagles travel to Barnesville, Ga., on Thursday evening for a 7 p.m. contest against Gordon College.

SOUTH GEORGIA TECH (81) – Rearkus McCrory, 2; Markell Smith, 8; Quan Martin, 11; Jamar Young, 2; Paul Mitchell, 12; Tyson Randolph, 15; Antonio Bell, 10; Jae Crowder, 13; Greg Brooks, 6; Josh Tarver, 2.
TALLAHASSEE (96) – Jeremy Robinson, 3; Jamel Brazeal, 14; Ben Thomas, 8; Mark King, 5; Marvell Waithe, 39; Jamar Moore, 5; Hugh Robertson, 12; Zuri James, 10.

Halftime: South Georgia Tech 46, Tallahassee 44
Records: Tallahassee (5-1), South Georgia Tech (5-1)
Attendance: 525