Men's basketball team picks up win at Jim Grimes Classic

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team defeated Time to Ball Prep at home Friday night 114-63 on Day 1 of the Jim Grimes Classic.

The Titans are now 2-0 to start the season.

Outside of a quick run from Time to Ball Prep in the first half, EFSC dominated from start to finish, never trailing in the game.

The Titans had a 15-5 lead to start the game, but a run sparked by TBP guard Matthew Mairena cut the deficit to five as EFSC maintained a 21-16 lead.

After a timeout by EFSC Head Coach Jeremy Shulman, the Titans tightened up on defense, making key defensive stops and tough finishes around the basket to propel the Titans to a 30-19 lead at one point.

Three-pointers by sophomore guard Matija Zuzic, freshman guard Carlos Cortijo, and sophomore forward Luca Colceag along with strong post play by sophomore guard Owen Aquino carried the Titans as he led EFSC in the first half with 16 points.

As the first half concluded, the Titans held a commanding 54-34 lead, with Mairena and guard Blake Gascoigne accounting for the majority of TBP's 34 first-half points.

Coach Shulman sat his starters for most of the second half, but the intensity remained. TBP struggled with fouls and turnovers in the second half, which led to plenty of free throws and fast-break opportunities for EFSC.

After being held scoreless in the first half, freshman guard AJ Walker exploded for 21 points in the second half. Walker was the Titans' leading scorer for the night. A huge dunk by freshman forward Afan Trnka put an exclamation point on a truly dominant performance for the Titans.

Overall, the Titans had six players score in double figures. Mairena led all scorers with 24 points.

The Titans will be back in action for Day 2 of the Jim Grimes Classic on Saturday at 4 p.m., where they will play the East Georgia State College Bobcats in Titan Field House. Time to Ball Prep will face Florida State College at Jacksonville in the first game of the day beginning at 2 p.m.  FSC-Jacksonville defeated East Georgia State in the first game of the tournament.

Admission is free to Titan Field House and both games will be livestreamed on the EFSC Titans YouTube page.

- Release written by Trey Avant