Davis, #12 TCC outlasts #21 Trinidad State in opening round of NJCAA Tournament

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Lead changes and late heroics led the way in Hutchinson, Kansas as the Tallahassee Community College Eagles used an and-one layup and foul shot from Malachi Davis inside 30 seconds to propel past Trinidad State 78-75 in the opening round of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament.

The 12-seeded Eagles (29-5) traded barbs with the 21st-seed Spartans (23-8) in the early goings before TSC started to find a groove offensively. The underdog shot 52% from the floor and a whopping 7-13 beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes to take a 44-34 advantage into the halftime locker room.

However, the final 20 minutes belonged to the blue and gold as TCC rallied out of the break, eventually sparking a 13-2 run to tie the contest at 52 apiece. The two teams would trade shots late with Trinidad State carrying a 75-70 lead going into the final minute of play. From there Davis took over, nailing a transition three to cut the TSC lead to two, eventually being put on the foul line with a chance to tie the game with 0:23 left to play. Davis made his first shot before missing the second, eventually corralling the rebound and turning it into the game-winning and-one opportunity.

TCC advances to the second round where they’ll face the fifth-seeded Salt Lake Bears with a tipoff set for Wednesday at 3:00 PM ET.

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