Titans Face Tough Loss in Conference Opener

TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma Community College Titans (0-16, 0-1) fell to South Puget Sound Community College (10-5, 1-0) on Thursday, 75-42. This matchup marked the first conference game of the season for both teams. SPS pulled away with a 27-point fourth quarter, securing their victory.

The game commenced with Ikunaday Filipe scoring a jumper for the Titans, assisted by Tamairah Allen, setting the early tone. TCC built a lead with Josephine Matau contributing a layup at 8:01, giving them a 4-0 advantage. SPS's Jerzy Tapusoa responded with a layup and a free throw to narrow the lead to 4-3. TCC briefly regained momentum with a three-pointer from Lanasha Lacy, but SPS's Brielle Nueku's three-pointer in the final seconds pushed them ahead. The first quarter concluded with SPS leading TCC 16-12.

In the second quarter, TCC started strong with a three-pointer from Lacy, assisted by Allen, at 9:53 to close the gap to one point. SPS responded with Mia Martinez's layup, regaining their lead. Despite Filipe's defensive contributions, including a block at 9:33 and a layup at 8:44, TCC struggled to maintain momentum. SPS extended their advantage with a three-pointer from Dakota Carson at 3:53 and free throws from Tiffany Castleberry, pushing the lead to 34-21. Allen's late layup and free throw brought TCC closer, but SPS maintained control, closing the quarter with an 18-12 advantage.

SPS extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring TCC 14-5. Martinez contributed significantly with a layup at 8:46 and a free throw at the 27-second mark, putting SPS ahead 46-29. TCC struggled offensively, with Matau scoring their only field goal of the quarter at 4:48, assisted by Laney Green. Despite TCC's efforts, SPS maintained their momentum, with Tapusoa capping the quarter with a layup at the buzzer, finalizing the score at 48-29.

SPS dominated the fourth quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring TCC 27-13. Martinez led the charge with multiple baskets, including a layup at 1:21 that extended their lead to 75-40. Carson also contributed significantly, adding points in the paint and completing a three-point play at 6:53. TCC's scoring was highlighted by Lacy's three-pointer at 2:12, but it was not enough to close the deficit. SPS's defensive pressure resulted in numerous turnovers, limiting TCC's scoring opportunities throughout the quarter.

Tacoma Top Performers

Tamairah Allen
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- 8 steals
- 3 assists
- 3 points

Lanasha Lacy
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- 9 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 4 rebounds

Ikunaday Filipe
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- 9 points
- 6 rebounds
- 3 blocks

Josephine Matau
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- 12 points
- 6/11 field goals
- 4 rebounds

TCC is now 0-16 overall and 0-1 in conference play. SPS holds a 10-5 overall record and is 1-0 in conference competition.

Looking ahead, TCC will host Centralia on Saturday, Jan. 10. The game is set to tip off at 4 p.m.

Go Titans!