Pensacola, FL- In a game with fans on the edge, the East Central Community College Warriors delivered a spirited performance against the tenth-ranked Chipola College Indians at The Richard Sanders Fall Classic Presented by Visit Panama City Beach. Despite falling 66-59 in overtime, the Warriors left everything on the court, showcasing their resilience and determination against one of the nation's elite programs.
The game's defining moment came at the end of regulation, as sophomore guard Antonio Baker drained a dramatic buzzer-beater to tie the game at 57-57, sending the contest into overtime. Baker was the heart and soul of the Warriors' effort, leading all scorers with 24 points while shooting 50% from the field. He knocked down three three-pointers and dished out six assists, proving his ability to shine under pressure and lead his team when it mattered most.
East Central started strong, taking a 32-20 lead into halftime. Their defensive intensity and efficient offense set the tone early, with contributions from multiple players. Fateh Bensalah was a force in the paint, grabbing nine rebounds and adding 14 points, while Amare Holmes and Tamarion Jones provided a significant boost off the bench, combining for 24 points. Holmes' ability to knock down clutch shots and Jones' persistence on both ends of the floor kept the Warriors competitive throughout the game.
Chipola, however, responded in the second half, outscoring East Central 37-25 in regulation. Markel Freeman led the charge for the Indians, scoring 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers. Matthew Webster was dominant on the glass, pulling 11 rebounds with 11 points. In comparison, Trent Lincoln added nine points and eight rebounds, providing stability for Chipola during critical stretches.
In overtime, the Indians capitalized on key opportunities, outscoring East Central 9-2. The Warriors struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the extra period while Chipola's defense tightened, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. Despite the result, the Warriors' effort against a top-tier opponent demonstrated their potential and resilience.
"This was a hard-fought game against a very talented team," said Warriors head coach Dylan Shields. "Our guys left it all on the floor. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."
The loss moves East Central to 2-1 on the season, but their performance against Chipola provides a promising outlook for the rest of the year. With Baker emerging as a clear leader and a supporting cast capable of stepping up in big moments, the Warriors are poised to make noise in the MACCC.
The Richard Sanders Fall Classic continues to provide a stage for teams to test themselves against top competition. East Central's effort in this thriller will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for their future aspirations. As they prepare for day two against the homestanding Gulf Coast State, the Warriors can take pride in knowing they pushed one of the nation's best to the brink.