Tornadoes News
02.23.2009 - Men's Basketball

Memphis, TN. - The Talladega College Men's Basketball Team traveled to Tennessee over the weekend and came back home with two more victories to add to what has already been a sensationally stunning season for the first year program.

On Friday night in Nashville versus Fisk University, the Tornadoes used a strong first half push from their starters to build a significant lead at intermission. The 25 point halftime cushion was big enough to convince first year TC coach Matt Cross to rest his starters during the second half in preparation for a showdown with Crichton College on Saturday afternoon.

The Tornadoes were allowed the opportunity to see some of their younger players gain valuable experience in the second half against Fisk and the young guns did not disappoint as they solidified the blow out win for TC.

Talladega College's 89-66 win over Fisk University propelled their record to 18-7 on the season and extended their winning streak to five.

                                                                                   

TC's Jeral Davis led all scorers with 22 points on 10-of-12 (83%) shooting from the field. Junior's Tarium Taylor (21 pts) and Ricky Moss (11 pts) also scored in double figures for the Tornadoes. Freshman Donnell Pope's 17 points rounded out the double digit scorers in the victory for TC.

TC took the two and a half hour bus ride from Nashville to Memphis Friday night with one thing on their mind; REVENGE. Talladega suffered one of their only two home losses on the season to Crichton College 90-83 in mid-January.

The Tornadoes came out of the gates red hot Saturday afternoon, scoring at will vs. the Comets. Crichton was also feeling it offensively and the two teams traded baskets for most of the second half. Finally, in the closing minutes of the first half TC picked up their defensive play and went on a big run to take a 47-36 advantage into halftime.

The Tornadoes carried their halftime momentum with them during the first 10 minutes of the second half and a dunk by Jeral Davis at the 10:37 mark in the second half gave TC their biggest lead of the game at 75-50. The Tornadoes offensive clinic continued over the last 10 minutes of the game and TC avenged their earlier season loss to Crichton with a 98-81 crushing over the Comets.

Talladega College's Senior Center Jeral "Stretch" Davis has really picked up his play as of late and once again led all scorers with 27 points on 12-of-15 (80%) shooting from the field. Tarium Taylor has also been impressive lately and the junior guard chipped in 18 points on 6-of-10 (60%) from the field in only 21 minutes of action. Micah Hagans (18pts.) and Jorge Canedo (10pts.) also contributed double digit points in the win for TC.

Jerranda Wheeler, Marqueys Brown, and Emanuel Winbush all scored 17 points respectively in the game for Crichton College.

"Crichton has a tremendously talented ball club and we felt like we let one slip away in our first match up, so we wanted to come and out and show who the better team was. Stretch (Jeral Davis) and PT (Tarium Taylor) are playing so big for us right now; their great play has really taken our team to another level. We are playing as a team right now and as coach it is very gratifying to see everyone accept their roles. I am so excited for this team because they have positioned themselves for a championship run," remarked TC coach Matt Cross.

The win improves the Tornadoes win streak to six games and gives TC a 19-7 mark for the year.

Talladega College will look to extend their winning steak to seven and capture a 20 win season on Monday night, February 23 as they return home to host Voorhees College. The game has a scheduled 7:30 P.M. tip-off.