The Pensacola Tigers's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their third straight loss. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 58-57 to Pine Forest. The defeat unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Pensacola in their matchups with Pine Forest: they've now lost five in a row.
Pensacola's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Nick Jones, who scored 16 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Jones has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jatony Jefferson, who scored 18 points along with two steals.
Pine Forest's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Micah Franklin, who scored 17 points along with two steals. That's the first time this season that Franklin scored 15 or more points. Marco Stallworth was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Pensacola now has a losing record at 8-9. As for Pine Forest, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 9-7.
Pensacola will look to defend their home court on Thursday against Gulf Breeze at 7:00 p.m. As for Pine Forest, Pine Forest and West Florida will face off at 7:30 p.m. on January 18th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. West Florida is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 54.9 points per game.
