TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - The New College of Florida Mighty Banyans men's basketball lost on the road to nationally ranked Florida College.
The Banyans (7-15) looked to continue their stretch of impressive play against the No. 18 team nationally.
Zach Close opened the evening with a three-point shot from the wing, giving the Banyans the early lead. Guard Schuyler Pimentel scored on three straight possessions, keeping the Falcon defense on their heels.
New College followed up the Pimentel buckets with another quick run, scoring 7 straight points to go up 10 at the thirteen minute mark. The Mighty Banyans led by as many as 14 points before the Florida College offense took over.
Florida College went on a quick 11-2 run to bring the score to 30-29 with just over 6 minutes remaining. The Falcons knocked down a pull-up jump shot and a three on back to back possessions, giving them their first lead of the game.
Florida College never slowed down, scoring 15 straight points and going into the halfway point leading 44-32.
Jordan Clark and Schuyler Pimentel led the New College offense in the first half, with 9 and 8 points respectively. Zach Close added 5 points and 3 rebounds on 100% shooting from the floor.
Florida College continued to flow on the offensive end. The Falcons scored back to back buckets to open the half, extending their lead to a game high 16 points.
Another quick run extended the Falcons lead to over 20 points, forcing the Banyans to make adjustments. Giovanni Toscanini scored at the rim, giving the Banyans a much needed boost. Zach Close and Alex Excellent scored on back to back possessions, bringing NCF back within 16.
The Banyans continued to fight, not letting the Falcons extend their lead as they approached the final four minutes of play.
Even with their improvements in the second half, the Banyans offense ran out of time, with the Falcons pulling away to a 93-76 win.
Jordan Clark led the Mighty Banyans on the offensive end, scoring 19 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists.
Zach Close, Schuyler Pimentel and Alex Excellent all played key roles for New College, with each scoring in double-figures.
The Mighty Banyans will look to rebound on Tuesday, Feb 20 in a rematch against Florida College.
