TCC Competes Hard in 78-64 Setback to SPS

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma fell to South Puget Sound, 78-64, on Thursday despite a strong defensive effort that included 12 steals. This matchup marked the first conference game of the season. SPS capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 12 points, extending their lead in the second half.

The first half opened with both teams displaying strong defensive efforts, resulting in multiple turnovers. TCC initially took a slim lead, highlighted by Amare Brown's early layup at 18:04. SPS responded with a 9-2 run, capped by Jack Mack's layup at the 13:18 mark, to tie the game at 8. The visitors built a nine-point advantage following Jamaal Elliott's 3-pointer at 4:33, assisted by Jeremiah Lewis. TCC narrowed the gap to one with Donovan Gill's late basket and free throw combination at 00:36, but Elliott's subsequent layup secured a 35-32 lead for SPS by the end of the half.

SPS secured a decisive 43-32 second-half advantage over TCC, culminating in a final score of 78-64. The visitors extended their lead with key contributions, including a 3-pointer by Nakalayah Fabello at 17:36 and a dunk from Lewis at 1:46. Caleb Bowden added a dunk with one minute remaining, pushing SPS further ahead. Despite efforts from TCC's Gill, who made a 3-pointer to briefly tie the game at 47 with 14:29 remaining, SPS pulled away to maintain their lead until the end.

Tacoma Top Performers

Jakoi Lide
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- 18 points
- 6 rebounds
- 5/5 free throws made
- 3 steals

Donovan Gill
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- 16 points
- 4 rebounds
- 3/9 three-pointers made

Denali Hatcher
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- 9 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 2 assists

Creighton Pennock
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- 4 points
- 3 steals
- 4 rebounds

Looking ahead, TCC will face Centralia on Saturday, Jan. 10. The game tips off at 2 p.m., with TCC playing on their home court.

Go Titans!