Eastern Florida State College defeated Western Wyoming College 77-73 on Nov. 12 at College of Southern Idaho to open the Battle for the Boot. Jevon Yapi led Eastern Florida State College with 24 points, including four 3-pointers. The victory moved the Titans into the tournament’s winner’s bracket.
Eastern Florida State College led 46-39 at halftime before Western Wyoming College outscored it 34-31 in the second half. Nick Womack made a layup to tie the game 65-65 with 6:13 remaining. Khalid Ousmane then made a layup for a 67-65 lead, and Yapi followed with a 3-pointer to put Eastern Florida State College ahead 70-65 with 5:15 left.
Eastern Florida State makes key plays late
Western Wyoming College tied the game 73-73 with 1:41 remaining. Ousmane answered with a layup to give Eastern Florida State College a 75-73 lead, and Djiby Ly made two free throws to secure the victory. Ly finished with 18 points after making 13 of 15 free-throw attempts.
Phil Deng added eight points and eight rebounds for Eastern Florida State College, while Yapi also had three assists. Eastern Florida State College made 23 of 54 field-goal attempts, collected 37 rebounds and had nine assists. The team also committed 22 turnovers.
Eastern Florida State advances in tournament
Bryceson Dobie led Western Wyoming College with 18 points, and Pijus Latauskas had nine rebounds. Western Wyoming College made 29 of 71 field-goal attempts, finished with 41 rebounds and had 10 assists. It also committed 17 turnovers.
Eastern Florida State College will play North Idaho College on Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Battle for the Boot winner’s bracket. North Idaho College opened the tournament with a 96-49 victory over McCook Community College. The upcoming game is Eastern Florida State College’s next tournament contest.
FSB Take
Eastern Florida State College’s response after Western Wyoming College tied the game at 73 showed where the result was decided. Ousmane’s basket restored the lead, and Ly’s free throws completed the final scoring sequence. Those late plays sent Eastern Florida State College into the winner’s bracket against North Idaho College.
Source: Original report