With 6.3 seconds remaining in the first overtime period, CF’s sophomore forward Canberk Kus would hit the tying layup and also be fouled on the play. He would go on to hit the wining and one free throw to seal the 86-85 victory over the FCSAA number two Chipola Indians.

Both teams headed into this contest 6-0 on the year but the Patriots would keep their season rolling, earning their seventh consecutive win this year.

“You know my guys played hard tonight, they played really hard tonight against a good team,” said Coach Tim Ryan.
Even with such a quick start to the year, Ryan knows that this 30 game season is far from over and his team has to stay focused to continue its success.

“We have to know that we have a long way to go, this is just the beginning of the season,” Ryan said. “We have to stayed focused and keep getting better so we can be there at the end.”

The Patriots controlled a lot of the first half going up by one at that half. They would come out firing going up by as many as 11 points.

However, Chipola would prove why they are so highly ranked by chipping away at CF’s lead and took their first lead of the half 73-72 with four minutes to play.

CF’s Kevin Hunt would then sink a pair of free throws cutting Chipola’s lead to two making it 77-75. Hunt would later drive to the basket and lay in the game tying layup, to send the game to overtime and set up Kus’ eventual game winning and one.

Kus would lead all scorers with 20 points. He would also add five rebounds, one assist and five blocks to add to his game winning play. However, according to Kus he was just happy to get the win.

“I feel great right now, we needed this win you know and I am so proud of how me and my teammates played this is a big win,” Kus said.

Sophomore center Carlos Dotson would also have a big game tallying 11 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Dotson would also add a steal to his totals. All while facing a nearly seven-foot defender.

“Yeah you know I’m undersized for my position, but that never stops me from competing harder than my opponent and that’s what I had to do tonight,” Dotson said.

The Patriots will be back in action on the road Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. versus Indian River State College.

Story by: Ryan Matthews