Gulf Coast’s men’s team traveled to Pensacola to participate in the Pensacola State Tournament early this week. Their first contest was against the Jones College Bobcats. The Commodores were missing Jaxon Ellingworth and Mi’Kis Engram due to illness and their absence was a big factor. A slow start made things difficult for the Commodores, as they trailed 7-0 early. However, an 11 to 3 run gave the Commodores their first lead. After a back and forth first half, the Commodores went into the break trailing 33-27. The second half was frustrating for Gulf Coast as they attempted to mount a comeback but could not get over the hump. Isaiah Nelson-Ododa was a bright spot in the 85-77 loss as he recorded 14 points and 8 rebounds. After the loss, Nelson-Ododa said, “We left a lot of shots on the board tonight, so we have to get the next one.”
The Commodores faced the Coastal Alabama Coyotes in the second game of the tournament. Gulf Coast were back at full health as Ellingworth and Engram both returned to the lineup. Despite leading most of the first half against the Coyotes, Gulf Coast was down 29-27 at halftime. The offense came alive early in the second half as Bryce Simmons was able to connect on 2 three-pointers. Jaxon Ellingworth finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds in the 86-60 win. After the game, Simmons summed up the message at halftime stating, “Coach Gaffney came in at the half and preached effort, so we came out with that effort and winning attitude.”
Gulf Coast’s final matchup of the tournament came against Trinity Valley in a game that Commodore fans will hope to forget. Trinity Valley ran away with the game, winning 89-52 in dominant fashion. Bryce Simmons finished with 14 points for the Commodores. Gulf Coast will look to bounce back against Eastern Florida in the Florida Shootout.
