The Rollins Tars had a up and down 2013-14 basketball season. Here's a breakdown of the good and the bad.
The good:
1. The Tars rally for a 82-76 overtime win over then second ranked Florida Southern on January 29th. It was dubbed by Nate Weyant (Sports Information director) as an instant classic. Mitch Woods had a monster day and almost single handedly willed the Tars to the win.
2. Mitch Woods is named All Sunshine State Conference First Team. Woods led the Tars averaging 15.4 points a game on the year. This included 35 and 26 points in the two meeting with Florida Southern. Woods was joined on the All Conference Team by Yanio Barruetta (Barry,) Kevin Capers (Florida Southern,) Jerrel Harris (Saint Leo,) and Jermaine Jackson of Florida Tech. Capers was the Conference Player of the Year, while Corbin Jackson (Florida Tech) was Defensive Player Of The Year. Barrueta was the Newcomer Of The Year. Adrian Gonzalez (Barry) was the freshman of the year. Linc Darner of Florida Southern won Coach Of The Year.
3. The Tars sweep defending Conference Champion Saint Leo. The Lions are one of four SSC teams to make the NCAA Tournament South Regional. SSC regular season and tournament champion Florida Southern will be the top seed. The Mocs will host Tuskegee on 3/15 in Lakeland. #5 Tampa will face #4 North Alabama. #3 Delta State will take on #6 Barry. #2 Seed Saint Leo will face #7 West Alabama.
4. The Tars win four straight league games before falling to Florida Southern late in the season finale.
5. Alex Blessig averages double figures in his first season with the Tars after leaving Florida Gulf Coast.
The bad:
1. The Tars hit rock bottom when they lose 70-67 to Lynn on January 15th. This is the Fighting Knights only win in the first half of the SSC schedule.
2. Rollins gets off to a rocky 1-4 start. It is the worst start for the Tars in 10+years.
3.Lukas Winegarner goes down to a broken foot. A devastating injury to the Tars front court, and one of it's three seniors.
4. The Tars fall to Warner for the second straight year at Warden Arena.
5. The season comes to a close in large part due to poor foul shooting and 3-point shooting against Nova Southeastern. The Tars lose in overtime. As coach Klusman said:
"Not shooting 50 percent at the foul line and poor 3-point shooting were bugaboos they had all season."
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Sharks Outlast Tars.
In the game of basketball especially in March it comes down to the little things. After trailing by 10 points with four minutes remaining and six with a minute to go the Tars made a furious rally to force overtime. Unfortunately for the fifth seeded Tars that would not translate into overtime as they would fall 75-71 to the Sharks of Nova Southeastern. Ultimately the game would come down to foul shooting in the extra session. The Sharks who were the best foul shooting team in the conference drained free throws when it counted. For the Tars Jeff Dirkin missed three of four free throws late.
Rollins season ended with a record of 14-13. The Tars had five players score in double figures. Jeff Dirkin led the way with 16 points and eight rebounds in 37 minutes- Chris Uhle added 14 in 39 minutes of action. Alex Blessig also added 14 in the loss- Mitch Woods and Adam Allen each scored 10 points in what would be their final game as members of the Tars. Rollins shot 40 percent (28-70) on the night. They struggled from the 3-point line where they shot 28 percent (9-32.) The Tars were a costly 46 percent (6-13) at the foul line. They had 16 assists and seven turnovers.
The Sharks (13-16) also placed five players in double figures as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the SSC tournament to face Eckerd Friday at 5 PM in Kissimmee. Chris Page and Justin Jeangerard paced NSU with 18 points each- Jeangerard added 14 rebounds in the win. Stian Berg added 16- Maurice Fuller had 13- and Brian Cahill had 10 for NSU. The Sharks shot 41 percent (23-56) in the game. NSU shot 39 percent (15-39) from the 3-point line. The Sharks shot 70 percent (14-20) from the foul line on the night. NSU won the rebounding battle 44-40. They had 16 assists and 14 turnovers.
Rollins trailed by seven early but would battle back and knot the game at 15 midway thru the opening half. Five lead changes and two ties happened in the next 10 minutes before the Sharks would take a three point lead (31-28) at the half.
The Sharks were in command much of the second half and looked to have the game in hand leading by 10 (58-48) with 4:03 left. The Tars would not go quietly. A Dirkin put back would get the Tars within four (62-58) with 1:21 to go. A steal and bucket by Blessig would get the Tars within two (62-60) Blessig would nail a 3-pointer after the Sharks split a pair of free throws to tie it at 63. Rollins would have the last chance at the end of regulation but the Tars would have a pair of turnovers and the Sharks one in the waning seconds of regulation.
NSU would strike first in OT and lead by three. Uhle would nail a 3-pointer to knot the game at 70 with 2:38 in the extra session. The Tars would not make a field goal over the last 2:38 and the Sharks would win it at the stripe.
Rollins season ended with a record of 14-13. The Tars had five players score in double figures. Jeff Dirkin led the way with 16 points and eight rebounds in 37 minutes- Chris Uhle added 14 in 39 minutes of action. Alex Blessig also added 14 in the loss- Mitch Woods and Adam Allen each scored 10 points in what would be their final game as members of the Tars. Rollins shot 40 percent (28-70) on the night. They struggled from the 3-point line where they shot 28 percent (9-32.) The Tars were a costly 46 percent (6-13) at the foul line. They had 16 assists and seven turnovers.
The Sharks (13-16) also placed five players in double figures as they advanced to the quarterfinals of the SSC tournament to face Eckerd Friday at 5 PM in Kissimmee. Chris Page and Justin Jeangerard paced NSU with 18 points each- Jeangerard added 14 rebounds in the win. Stian Berg added 16- Maurice Fuller had 13- and Brian Cahill had 10 for NSU. The Sharks shot 41 percent (23-56) in the game. NSU shot 39 percent (15-39) from the 3-point line. The Sharks shot 70 percent (14-20) from the foul line on the night. NSU won the rebounding battle 44-40. They had 16 assists and 14 turnovers.
Rollins trailed by seven early but would battle back and knot the game at 15 midway thru the opening half. Five lead changes and two ties happened in the next 10 minutes before the Sharks would take a three point lead (31-28) at the half.
The Sharks were in command much of the second half and looked to have the game in hand leading by 10 (58-48) with 4:03 left. The Tars would not go quietly. A Dirkin put back would get the Tars within four (62-58) with 1:21 to go. A steal and bucket by Blessig would get the Tars within two (62-60) Blessig would nail a 3-pointer after the Sharks split a pair of free throws to tie it at 63. Rollins would have the last chance at the end of regulation but the Tars would have a pair of turnovers and the Sharks one in the waning seconds of regulation.
NSU would strike first in OT and lead by three. Uhle would nail a 3-pointer to knot the game at 70 with 2:38 in the extra session. The Tars would not make a field goal over the last 2:38 and the Sharks would win it at the stripe.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Tars Face Sharks In Opening Round Of SSC Tournament Wednesday.
The Rollins Tars (14-12 8-8 SSC) will take on the Nova Southeastern Sharks (12-16 8-8 SSC) in the opening round of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee on Wednesday night. The two teams split the meetings in the regular season. Nova was a 54-46 winner at the Bob Taft University Center in the first meeting. In the meeting in Winter Park the Tars prevailed 81-72.
The Tars come in as the five seed in the tournament and finished strong despite a tough loss to Florida Southern on Saturday night. The Tars got 35 points from Mitch Woods on Saturday-while Chris Uhle added 16 points and 11 rebounds. It was not enough as the Mocs prevailed 72-68. The Tars got off to a slow start this season going 1-4. They would rebounds and win four straight. The Tars would pick up a signature win against Florida Southern on January 30th in overtime. They also swept defending conference champ Saint Leo. Mitch Woods leads Rollins in scoring on the season. He was averaging 14.8 points a game before the 35 point outburst versus Southern. Alex Blessig (11.0 ppg) and Adam Allen (9.7) both had quiet games in the finale. The Tars continue to lead the SSC on the defensive end. They gave up 63.8 points per game before allowing 72 in the loss versus Southern. On offense they are scoring 68.7 a game and scored 68 against the Mocs.
NSU also had a up and down season. The Sharks got off to a slow start, got hot mid season and sputtered to the finish. The last time out for the Sharks was a 81-68 loss to Saint Leo. The Sharks have five players who average double figures on the season. Chris Page leads the way at 14.7 per night- Justin Jeangerard adds 13.4- Brian Cahill scores 12.7 a game- Casey Carroll scores 10.7- and- Stian Berg puts up 10.6. The Sharks score 76.4 points a game on offense. On the defensive end they give up 77.7.
The opening round lines presented by JuanBernalSportsbooks.com:
#4 Barry -5 vs #7 Eckerd
#5 Rollins -3.5 vs #6 Nova Southeastern
The Tars come in as the five seed in the tournament and finished strong despite a tough loss to Florida Southern on Saturday night. The Tars got 35 points from Mitch Woods on Saturday-while Chris Uhle added 16 points and 11 rebounds. It was not enough as the Mocs prevailed 72-68. The Tars got off to a slow start this season going 1-4. They would rebounds and win four straight. The Tars would pick up a signature win against Florida Southern on January 30th in overtime. They also swept defending conference champ Saint Leo. Mitch Woods leads Rollins in scoring on the season. He was averaging 14.8 points a game before the 35 point outburst versus Southern. Alex Blessig (11.0 ppg) and Adam Allen (9.7) both had quiet games in the finale. The Tars continue to lead the SSC on the defensive end. They gave up 63.8 points per game before allowing 72 in the loss versus Southern. On offense they are scoring 68.7 a game and scored 68 against the Mocs.
NSU also had a up and down season. The Sharks got off to a slow start, got hot mid season and sputtered to the finish. The last time out for the Sharks was a 81-68 loss to Saint Leo. The Sharks have five players who average double figures on the season. Chris Page leads the way at 14.7 per night- Justin Jeangerard adds 13.4- Brian Cahill scores 12.7 a game- Casey Carroll scores 10.7- and- Stian Berg puts up 10.6. The Sharks score 76.4 points a game on offense. On the defensive end they give up 77.7.
The opening round lines presented by JuanBernalSportsbooks.com:
#4 Barry -5 vs #7 Eckerd
#5 Rollins -3.5 vs #6 Nova Southeastern
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Persistence Pays For Rollins Star Allen.
Adam Allen was coming off a solid freshman season at the University of Florida. His game was just starting to get to where he wanted it to be. He led the Gators in both 3-point shooting percentage and field goal percentage in practices leading up to his sophomore season.
Then in October came the scrimmage just a week before the season began. Allen missed a free throw and it bounced past everyone to the right. Teammate Erving Walker ran into Allen as he tried to grab the offensive rebound, as Allen's left leg was planted. At first they did not think it was a serious injury. Allen hobbled off the court under his own power. The trainer's told Allen he had a MCL sprain and would miss 2-4 weeks. After three-four weeks Allen learned that he had a bone bruise and some possible damage under his kneecap so they elected to do a scope. After cleaning up the cartilage that was damaged Allen returned to running and basketball activities after six weeks.
After six weeks of rehab Allen was about 80 percent of his former self. The doctors decided to do a medical reefing procedure to tighten his kneecap that is tracking from left to right. After about eight months was when Allen started to lose faith. After 10 months Allen was in the trainer's room and the trainer told him to have a seat.
"There is nothing left we can do for you. I am sorry to say. We can only offer you a medical scholarship."
"I wasn't even able to jog without a limp let alone play basketball." Allen said.
Allen did not play in either the 2008-09 or 2009-10 seasons. NCAA regulations only allow a player to redshirt once.
After 10 months was when it really started to hit Allen:
"Everything I had worked for my whole life was all for naught at this point. I had to decide what the next step was going to be."
Basketball had been a part of Allen's life since birth. Adam's dad Randy Allen was playing for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets in the CBA when Adam was born. Two weeks later Randy got the call from the Sacramento Kings. He played two years for the Kings and then was cut. Then Randy hooked on with the Denver Nuggets and played with them for two years.Adam Allen was around the game of basketball since he was a kid. He followed his dad around the CBA. At one point Adam attended a French pre school while his dad played overseas.
Adam Allen grew up on a farm in Cedar Rapids,Iowa. His dad was a workaholic and very strict. Basketball was Adam's get away. One year when Adam was 13 he even played soccer so he did not have to stack hay on a farm in Cedar Rapids.
Adam Allen's family was in Milton,Florida. so that is where Adam attended high school. His brother Drew is 12 years old and plays both AAU basketball and baseball. Brandon Allen is 21 years old and after three years as a pitcher in the San Fransisco Giants farm system decided not to continue his baseball career. Brandon is now a 21 year old freshman playing basketball at Florida State. Adam's mom Kelly is the head principal at Jay Elementary School which is about 30 miles outside of Milton. After his basketball playing career was over (Randy retired when Adam's 18 year old sister Sydney was born. Randy has owned and operated many businesses on the Florida panhandle including contracting, land clearing,farming, as well as an airport luggage service.
Adam was the all time leading scorer (2317 points) and rebounder (1200) as well as the leader in blocked shots (321) in Milton High School history. He was a member of the region 1-4A state runner up team in 2005-06. Milton was a two point loser in the championship game. Allen had a shot to tie the game late to send it into overtime but says he just used that as a learning experience and motivating factor to get better.
The came the college decision. Despite the fact that they both went to Florida State Randy and Kelly Allen made sure that Adam made his own decision and did not push him one way or another.
"They really kept me grounded." Allen said.
Allen played both basketball and baseball at the University of Florida his freshman year. He made two appearances on the mound as a pitcher. Allen was a middle reliever. Basketball was always where his passion was though. It was a solid freshman season for the former Milton High star. He played in all 36 games, averaging 4.0 points and 0.8 rebounds a game. He was second on the team, shooting at a 42 percent clip from the 3-point line. Things were really starting to come together for Allen his sophomore year and then came the scrimmage and the knee injury. Despite having to have three procedures done on his knee Allen continued to stay positive and never intended on quitting the game. After 10 months was when Allen first took off the bandage.
"I took off the bandage and looked down at the 45 staples and all these screw they put in the back of my knee to put some cartilage back in there and I looked down and said Good God ." Allen said.
His senior year after consulting with his parents Adam decided to go get a second opinion. So they went to the Andrews Institute in Pensacola,Florida and they told him he could have this medical realignment/micro fracture patella realignment surgery. It was a 12 month recovery process. After 12 months of rehab Allen would have some mobility. He had enough strength in his leg that he could run again. After a long road Adam was able to play pick up basketball with his buddies twice a week. His two roommates at Florida where current NBA players Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons.
So at the end of the 2010-11 season the Gators were facing Alabama on senior night. The SEC regular season title was on the line. Allen got to dribble out the clock as the Gators secured the SEC regular season title. This is what Allen had to say about that:
" It was such a thrill for me and such a great gesture by Coach Donovan to have me dribble out the clock. It was an incredible moment. One that I will always remember. The ovation that I got and the hugs that I got from my teammates made everything I had been thru worthwhile for that one day.Coach Donovan has been like a father figure to me, he cares about each and every one of his players. I have so much respect for him. He treated me like I played 20 minutes a game, asked me my opinion."
After that season Allen did a lot of reflecting back on the previous couple of seasons. It became clear that he was not going to be able to compete at the SEC level like he once did with all the knee problems he had endured.
"Coach Donovan taught me a lot. He taught me to live in the moment every day. The fact that you could not reach your long term goals without setting some short term ones. Living in the moment meaning you have to go at it 100 percent everyday and work as hard as you can". Allen graduated from the University of Florida.
He had this to say about the basketball program at Florida:
"Playing basketball at Florida is like a full time job. You spend 6-7 hours a day working on your game. Between practices, meals and everything it is like a full time job".
In the summer time Allen was working for a company called Vax Inc. It is a delivery service and Randy wanted Adam to put the company in his name. Adam was using the summer to try and figure out what he was going to do next. He was playing pick up basketball with a few of his buddies when Alex Castillo (then at Rollins) mentioned that Adam should come to Rollins. Surprising shortly there after Castillo got assistant coach Brad Ash on the phone. Ash then got assistant Kyle Frakes and head coach Tom Klusman in the conversation. All three coaches said we would love to have you here. About a week later Allen took the GRE and got into Rollins where he is currently a grad student. So Allen would go to Rollins in the 2012-13 season. The knees are still a problem. He does still have his 3-point shooting ability though. Another big reason for Allen coming to Rollins was one of his best buddies Kyle McClanahan who was also at Florida to start out his career got him to come.
The two coaches that Allen played for are similar in that they care about each and everyone of there players. They both want the best out of there players and will "bend over backwards" for any of them."
Allen continues to excel at Rollins despite playing on one leg. A year ago Allen played in all 26 games for the Tars. He averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds a game. He shot 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line on the year. He scored in double digits 13 times.
This season Allen is averaging 9.7 points a game as a grad student. He continues to be a solid 3-point shooter, is the Tars third leading scorer as well as being one of the team captains and vocal leaders.
It has been a wild ride thru college for Allen. He has had some pain and anguish, and plenty of times of joy.
"Being a 24 year old playing on a team of 18 and 19 year olds has been one of the bigger adjustments I have had to make." Allen said.
Then again basketball has come naturally to a guy who has been playing organized basketball since he was five years old.
As for his current coach this quote pretty much sums up there current relationship:
" Coach has helped me to deal with the frustrations of not being able to compete at the level of my own expectations. He tells me to have fun and control what I can control. He has really helped me to enjoy my time at Rollins, and he reminds me often that it is a miracle that I can play."
Then in October came the scrimmage just a week before the season began. Allen missed a free throw and it bounced past everyone to the right. Teammate Erving Walker ran into Allen as he tried to grab the offensive rebound, as Allen's left leg was planted. At first they did not think it was a serious injury. Allen hobbled off the court under his own power. The trainer's told Allen he had a MCL sprain and would miss 2-4 weeks. After three-four weeks Allen learned that he had a bone bruise and some possible damage under his kneecap so they elected to do a scope. After cleaning up the cartilage that was damaged Allen returned to running and basketball activities after six weeks.
After six weeks of rehab Allen was about 80 percent of his former self. The doctors decided to do a medical reefing procedure to tighten his kneecap that is tracking from left to right. After about eight months was when Allen started to lose faith. After 10 months Allen was in the trainer's room and the trainer told him to have a seat.
"There is nothing left we can do for you. I am sorry to say. We can only offer you a medical scholarship."
"I wasn't even able to jog without a limp let alone play basketball." Allen said.
Allen did not play in either the 2008-09 or 2009-10 seasons. NCAA regulations only allow a player to redshirt once.
After 10 months was when it really started to hit Allen:
"Everything I had worked for my whole life was all for naught at this point. I had to decide what the next step was going to be."
Basketball had been a part of Allen's life since birth. Adam's dad Randy Allen was playing for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets in the CBA when Adam was born. Two weeks later Randy got the call from the Sacramento Kings. He played two years for the Kings and then was cut. Then Randy hooked on with the Denver Nuggets and played with them for two years.Adam Allen was around the game of basketball since he was a kid. He followed his dad around the CBA. At one point Adam attended a French pre school while his dad played overseas.
Adam Allen grew up on a farm in Cedar Rapids,Iowa. His dad was a workaholic and very strict. Basketball was Adam's get away. One year when Adam was 13 he even played soccer so he did not have to stack hay on a farm in Cedar Rapids.
Adam Allen's family was in Milton,Florida. so that is where Adam attended high school. His brother Drew is 12 years old and plays both AAU basketball and baseball. Brandon Allen is 21 years old and after three years as a pitcher in the San Fransisco Giants farm system decided not to continue his baseball career. Brandon is now a 21 year old freshman playing basketball at Florida State. Adam's mom Kelly is the head principal at Jay Elementary School which is about 30 miles outside of Milton. After his basketball playing career was over (Randy retired when Adam's 18 year old sister Sydney was born. Randy has owned and operated many businesses on the Florida panhandle including contracting, land clearing,farming, as well as an airport luggage service.
Adam was the all time leading scorer (2317 points) and rebounder (1200) as well as the leader in blocked shots (321) in Milton High School history. He was a member of the region 1-4A state runner up team in 2005-06. Milton was a two point loser in the championship game. Allen had a shot to tie the game late to send it into overtime but says he just used that as a learning experience and motivating factor to get better.
The came the college decision. Despite the fact that they both went to Florida State Randy and Kelly Allen made sure that Adam made his own decision and did not push him one way or another.
"They really kept me grounded." Allen said.
Allen played both basketball and baseball at the University of Florida his freshman year. He made two appearances on the mound as a pitcher. Allen was a middle reliever. Basketball was always where his passion was though. It was a solid freshman season for the former Milton High star. He played in all 36 games, averaging 4.0 points and 0.8 rebounds a game. He was second on the team, shooting at a 42 percent clip from the 3-point line. Things were really starting to come together for Allen his sophomore year and then came the scrimmage and the knee injury. Despite having to have three procedures done on his knee Allen continued to stay positive and never intended on quitting the game. After 10 months was when Allen first took off the bandage.
"I took off the bandage and looked down at the 45 staples and all these screw they put in the back of my knee to put some cartilage back in there and I looked down and said Good God ." Allen said.
His senior year after consulting with his parents Adam decided to go get a second opinion. So they went to the Andrews Institute in Pensacola,Florida and they told him he could have this medical realignment/micro fracture patella realignment surgery. It was a 12 month recovery process. After 12 months of rehab Allen would have some mobility. He had enough strength in his leg that he could run again. After a long road Adam was able to play pick up basketball with his buddies twice a week. His two roommates at Florida where current NBA players Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons.
So at the end of the 2010-11 season the Gators were facing Alabama on senior night. The SEC regular season title was on the line. Allen got to dribble out the clock as the Gators secured the SEC regular season title. This is what Allen had to say about that:
" It was such a thrill for me and such a great gesture by Coach Donovan to have me dribble out the clock. It was an incredible moment. One that I will always remember. The ovation that I got and the hugs that I got from my teammates made everything I had been thru worthwhile for that one day.Coach Donovan has been like a father figure to me, he cares about each and every one of his players. I have so much respect for him. He treated me like I played 20 minutes a game, asked me my opinion."
After that season Allen did a lot of reflecting back on the previous couple of seasons. It became clear that he was not going to be able to compete at the SEC level like he once did with all the knee problems he had endured.
"Coach Donovan taught me a lot. He taught me to live in the moment every day. The fact that you could not reach your long term goals without setting some short term ones. Living in the moment meaning you have to go at it 100 percent everyday and work as hard as you can". Allen graduated from the University of Florida.
He had this to say about the basketball program at Florida:
"Playing basketball at Florida is like a full time job. You spend 6-7 hours a day working on your game. Between practices, meals and everything it is like a full time job".
In the summer time Allen was working for a company called Vax Inc. It is a delivery service and Randy wanted Adam to put the company in his name. Adam was using the summer to try and figure out what he was going to do next. He was playing pick up basketball with a few of his buddies when Alex Castillo (then at Rollins) mentioned that Adam should come to Rollins. Surprising shortly there after Castillo got assistant coach Brad Ash on the phone. Ash then got assistant Kyle Frakes and head coach Tom Klusman in the conversation. All three coaches said we would love to have you here. About a week later Allen took the GRE and got into Rollins where he is currently a grad student. So Allen would go to Rollins in the 2012-13 season. The knees are still a problem. He does still have his 3-point shooting ability though. Another big reason for Allen coming to Rollins was one of his best buddies Kyle McClanahan who was also at Florida to start out his career got him to come.
The two coaches that Allen played for are similar in that they care about each and everyone of there players. They both want the best out of there players and will "bend over backwards" for any of them."
Allen continues to excel at Rollins despite playing on one leg. A year ago Allen played in all 26 games for the Tars. He averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds a game. He shot 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line on the year. He scored in double digits 13 times.
This season Allen is averaging 9.7 points a game as a grad student. He continues to be a solid 3-point shooter, is the Tars third leading scorer as well as being one of the team captains and vocal leaders.
It has been a wild ride thru college for Allen. He has had some pain and anguish, and plenty of times of joy.
"Being a 24 year old playing on a team of 18 and 19 year olds has been one of the bigger adjustments I have had to make." Allen said.
Then again basketball has come naturally to a guy who has been playing organized basketball since he was five years old.
As for his current coach this quote pretty much sums up there current relationship:
" Coach has helped me to deal with the frustrations of not being able to compete at the level of my own expectations. He tells me to have fun and control what I can control. He has really helped me to enjoy my time at Rollins, and he reminds me often that it is a miracle that I can play."
Mocs Knock Off Tars.
The Rollins College Tars (14-12 8-8 SSC) got a career day from Mitch Woods, but it was not enough in a 72-68 loss to Florida Southern (24-4 12-4 SSC) at the Jenkins Fieldhouse in Lakeland Saturday night. The Tars will be the five seed in the upcoming SSC tournament, while FSC will be the top seed.
Woods had a career day pumping in a game high 35 points. The senior was 11 of 16 from the field- three of six from the 3-point line- and- 10 of 12 at the foul line. Woods added six assists and three rebounds. Chris Uhle recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. The Tars shot 58 percent (22-38) from the field and shot 50 percent (9-18) from the 3-point line. The Tars had 12 assists but struggled to take care of the ball, as they had 23 turnovers.
The regular season champion Mocs were led by three players in double figures. Lamar McKnight paced FSC with 16 points- Stephen Battle had 15- and- Frank Adams netted 12. The Mocs shot 36 percent (26-72) from the field on the night. They shot 43 percent (9-21) from the 3-point line. The Mocs shot at a 69 percent clip (11-16) at the free throw line. FSC won the rebounding battle 37-33. They had 21 assists and just seven turnovers.
The game would start out close and after a pair of Woods free throws would be tied at 17 with 10 minutes to go in the opening half. The free throws would start a 12-0 Rollins spurt that gave them a 10 point lead (27-17) with 7:07 left in the opening half. The Tars would maintain that lead the rest of the half and take a 38-27 lead into the locker room.
The Tars would start out the second half and would stretch the lead to 15 (46-31) after a Uhle 3-pointer with 16:34 to go. The Mocs would then go on a 24-7 run and take a 55-53 lead with 6:49 to go after a Battle 3-pointer. Adam Allen would tie the score on the ensuing possession but the Mocs would then go on a mini spurt to take a five point lead (64-59) with 3:31 left. Woods would score the game's next seven points and the Tars would regain the lead (66-64) with 1:45 to go. Battle would score and then Adams would give FSC the lead back (68-66) with 40 seconds remaining. Alex Blessig drew a foul and would nail a pair of free throws to tie the game with 17.2 seconds to go. Adams would score to give the Mocs a 70-68 lead with seven seconds left. The Tars would then have the most costly of there 23 turnovers and Adams would end it with a pair of free throws.
The Tars will be back in action Wednesday when they face Nova Southeastern in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The Tars and Sharks split the season series with each team winning at home. Tip time Wednesday is set for 5 PM.
Other SSC Scores:
Saint Leo 81 Nova Southeastern 68
Barry 109 Florida Tech 79
Lynn 74 Eckerd 62
Tampa 69 Palm Beach Atlantic 65
Final SSC Standings:
Florida Southern 12-4 (24-4)
Saint Leo 10-6 (22-7)
Tampa 10-6 (18-8)
Barry 9-7 (19-7)
Rollins 8-8 (14-12)
Nova Southeastern 8-8 (12-16)
Eckerd 7-9 (15-13)
Florida Tech 5-11 (16-12)
Lynn 3-13 (9-17)
SSC Tournament:
Opening Round March 5th:
#4 Barry vs #7 Eckerd 12 PM
#5 Rollins vs #6 Nova Southeastern 5 PM
Thursday March 6th:
#2 Saint Leo vs #9 Lynn 12 PM
#3 Tampa vs #8 Florida Tech 5 PM
Friday March 7th:
EC/BU winner vs RC/Nova winner 5 PM
Saturday March 8th:
#1 Florida Southern vs TBA 12 PM
TBA vs TBA 5 PM
Sunday March 9th:
Championship Game 1 PM
Woods had a career day pumping in a game high 35 points. The senior was 11 of 16 from the field- three of six from the 3-point line- and- 10 of 12 at the foul line. Woods added six assists and three rebounds. Chris Uhle recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. The Tars shot 58 percent (22-38) from the field and shot 50 percent (9-18) from the 3-point line. The Tars had 12 assists but struggled to take care of the ball, as they had 23 turnovers.
The regular season champion Mocs were led by three players in double figures. Lamar McKnight paced FSC with 16 points- Stephen Battle had 15- and- Frank Adams netted 12. The Mocs shot 36 percent (26-72) from the field on the night. They shot 43 percent (9-21) from the 3-point line. The Mocs shot at a 69 percent clip (11-16) at the free throw line. FSC won the rebounding battle 37-33. They had 21 assists and just seven turnovers.
The game would start out close and after a pair of Woods free throws would be tied at 17 with 10 minutes to go in the opening half. The free throws would start a 12-0 Rollins spurt that gave them a 10 point lead (27-17) with 7:07 left in the opening half. The Tars would maintain that lead the rest of the half and take a 38-27 lead into the locker room.
The Tars would start out the second half and would stretch the lead to 15 (46-31) after a Uhle 3-pointer with 16:34 to go. The Mocs would then go on a 24-7 run and take a 55-53 lead with 6:49 to go after a Battle 3-pointer. Adam Allen would tie the score on the ensuing possession but the Mocs would then go on a mini spurt to take a five point lead (64-59) with 3:31 left. Woods would score the game's next seven points and the Tars would regain the lead (66-64) with 1:45 to go. Battle would score and then Adams would give FSC the lead back (68-66) with 40 seconds remaining. Alex Blessig drew a foul and would nail a pair of free throws to tie the game with 17.2 seconds to go. Adams would score to give the Mocs a 70-68 lead with seven seconds left. The Tars would then have the most costly of there 23 turnovers and Adams would end it with a pair of free throws.
The Tars will be back in action Wednesday when they face Nova Southeastern in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The Tars and Sharks split the season series with each team winning at home. Tip time Wednesday is set for 5 PM.
Other SSC Scores:
Saint Leo 81 Nova Southeastern 68
Barry 109 Florida Tech 79
Lynn 74 Eckerd 62
Tampa 69 Palm Beach Atlantic 65
Final SSC Standings:
Florida Southern 12-4 (24-4)
Saint Leo 10-6 (22-7)
Tampa 10-6 (18-8)
Barry 9-7 (19-7)
Rollins 8-8 (14-12)
Nova Southeastern 8-8 (12-16)
Eckerd 7-9 (15-13)
Florida Tech 5-11 (16-12)
Lynn 3-13 (9-17)
SSC Tournament:
Opening Round March 5th:
#4 Barry vs #7 Eckerd 12 PM
#5 Rollins vs #6 Nova Southeastern 5 PM
Thursday March 6th:
#2 Saint Leo vs #9 Lynn 12 PM
#3 Tampa vs #8 Florida Tech 5 PM
Friday March 7th:
EC/BU winner vs RC/Nova winner 5 PM
Saturday March 8th:
#1 Florida Southern vs TBA 12 PM
TBA vs TBA 5 PM
Sunday March 9th:
Championship Game 1 PM
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Tars-Mocs Renew Rivalry In Lakeland Saturday.
The Rollins Tars (14-11 8-7 SSC) will look to end the season with a five game win streak when they head to Lakeland to battle the Mocs of Florida Southern at Jenkins Fieldhouse Saturday night. The game will tip at 7:30 and can be heard on 91.5 WPRK Winter Park and round the world at RollinsSports.com
Rollins comes into Saturday on a four game win streak, matching there longest of the season. They will look to continue the momentum into next week's Sunshine State Conference Championships as they look to bolster there resume for a possible South regional bid and a berth in the NCAA DII tournament. The Tars will come into Saturday well rested, the last time out they were a 75-71 win at Barry last Saturday. Chris Uhle had a career day with 21 points and three blocks- Alex Blessig stuffed the stat sheet scoring 20 points- the Florida Gulf Coast transfer added five rebounds- four assists- and five steals. Mitch Woods added 13 points, despite fouling out with 12 minutes to go.
Woods leads the Tars in scoring at 14.8 points a game. He is also dishing out 3.4 assists and getting 2.1 steals a game. Blessig adds 11 points and 3.3 assists a contest- while Adam Allen puts up 9.7 points a night.
The Tars continue to be one of the best (seventh in the country) allowing just 63.8 points a game. At the other end the Tars only score 68.7 a night. The Tars biggest win of the season came against then second ranked and undefeated Florida Southern. The Tars were a 82-76 OT winner in that one in front of 1765 at Warden Arena. The Tars will end the season somewhere between the fourth and seventh seed in the conference depending on Saturday's action.
The Mocs (23-4 11-4) have already wrapped up the top seed in the conference tournament and another regular season title. FSC who is ranked 12th in the country is just 5-4 since the loss to the Tars and are coming off a 71-69 loss to Tampa at the Bob Martinez Center on Wednesday. Kevin Capers scored 19 in the loss, while Tyler Kelly added 12.
Capers leads the SSC in scoring at 20.4 points a game- he makes a living at the foul line where he is shooting 78 percent (187-241 on the year.) Dominic Lane (14.1 points a contest) and Frank Adams (10.1 a game) also average double figures for FSC.
The Mocs come into Saturday putting up 88.6 points a game as a team which is tops in the conference. At the other end they give up 78.1 a contest.
Mitch Woods tied a career high 26 points in the Rollins win a month ago. Adam Allen pumped in 17- and Chris Uhle scored 11.
The lines presented by JuanBernalSportsbooks.com:
Rollins+8@Florida Southern
Eckerd-6@Lynn
Nova Southeastern+2.5@Saint Leo
Barry-1@Florida Tech
Tampa-8@Palm Beach Atlantic
SSC Standings:
Florida Southern 11-4 (23-4)
Tampa 10-6 (17-8)
Saint Leo 9-6 (21-7)
Barry 8-7 (18-7)
Rollins 8-7 (14-11)
Nova Southeastern 8-7 (12-15)
Eckerd 7-8 (15-12)
Florida Tech 5-10 (16-11)
Lynn 2-13 (8-17)
South Regional Standings (top eight seeds qualify for NCAA South regional:)
1. Florida Southern
2. Delta State
3. Saint Leo
4. North Alabama
5. Fort Valley State
6. Barry
7. West Alabama
8. Tuskegee
9.Tampa
10. Rollins
Rollins comes into Saturday on a four game win streak, matching there longest of the season. They will look to continue the momentum into next week's Sunshine State Conference Championships as they look to bolster there resume for a possible South regional bid and a berth in the NCAA DII tournament. The Tars will come into Saturday well rested, the last time out they were a 75-71 win at Barry last Saturday. Chris Uhle had a career day with 21 points and three blocks- Alex Blessig stuffed the stat sheet scoring 20 points- the Florida Gulf Coast transfer added five rebounds- four assists- and five steals. Mitch Woods added 13 points, despite fouling out with 12 minutes to go.
Woods leads the Tars in scoring at 14.8 points a game. He is also dishing out 3.4 assists and getting 2.1 steals a game. Blessig adds 11 points and 3.3 assists a contest- while Adam Allen puts up 9.7 points a night.
The Tars continue to be one of the best (seventh in the country) allowing just 63.8 points a game. At the other end the Tars only score 68.7 a night. The Tars biggest win of the season came against then second ranked and undefeated Florida Southern. The Tars were a 82-76 OT winner in that one in front of 1765 at Warden Arena. The Tars will end the season somewhere between the fourth and seventh seed in the conference depending on Saturday's action.
The Mocs (23-4 11-4) have already wrapped up the top seed in the conference tournament and another regular season title. FSC who is ranked 12th in the country is just 5-4 since the loss to the Tars and are coming off a 71-69 loss to Tampa at the Bob Martinez Center on Wednesday. Kevin Capers scored 19 in the loss, while Tyler Kelly added 12.
Capers leads the SSC in scoring at 20.4 points a game- he makes a living at the foul line where he is shooting 78 percent (187-241 on the year.) Dominic Lane (14.1 points a contest) and Frank Adams (10.1 a game) also average double figures for FSC.
The Mocs come into Saturday putting up 88.6 points a game as a team which is tops in the conference. At the other end they give up 78.1 a contest.
Mitch Woods tied a career high 26 points in the Rollins win a month ago. Adam Allen pumped in 17- and Chris Uhle scored 11.
The lines presented by JuanBernalSportsbooks.com:
Rollins+8@Florida Southern
Eckerd-6@Lynn
Nova Southeastern+2.5@Saint Leo
Barry-1@Florida Tech
Tampa-8@Palm Beach Atlantic
SSC Standings:
Florida Southern 11-4 (23-4)
Tampa 10-6 (17-8)
Saint Leo 9-6 (21-7)
Barry 8-7 (18-7)
Rollins 8-7 (14-11)
Nova Southeastern 8-7 (12-15)
Eckerd 7-8 (15-12)
Florida Tech 5-10 (16-11)
Lynn 2-13 (8-17)
South Regional Standings (top eight seeds qualify for NCAA South regional:)
1. Florida Southern
2. Delta State
3. Saint Leo
4. North Alabama
5. Fort Valley State
6. Barry
7. West Alabama
8. Tuskegee
9.Tampa
10. Rollins
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