Pirates Move to 6-0

Pensacola State delivered a commanding 85–55 road victory over Southwest Mississippi, pulling away behind elite perimeter shooting and a dominant second-half surge. The game showcased a clash of contrasting styles—Southwest Mississippi stayed competitive early by controlling the offensive glass and piling up second-chance points in the paint, while the Pirates countered with efficiency and firepower from the perimeter. Pensacola took a 37–30 lead into halftime before completely breaking the game open after the break.

In the second half, the Pirates caught absolute fire, shooting 61% from the field and an incredible 64% from three. Their balanced scoring and unselfish ball movement overwhelmed Southwest Mississippi and turned the game into a runaway.

Seven different Pirates scored eight or more points, highlighting the team-wide effort. Josh Middlebrooks added his steady production with 9 points and 6 boards. Sean Owens and Ethan McDonald each connected on three triples, with Owens finishing with 9 points and McDonald contributing 11. Malick Sene was once again everywhere—impacting all phases of the game with 8 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and a block. Deven Bates continued to serve as the engine of the offense, posting 16 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.

The night, however, was sparked by a breakout performance from Alex Madrid, who delivered a season-best outing with 18 points on 6–9 shooting, including 4–5 from deep. His scoring punch helped ignite Pensacola State's second-half explosion.

It was a complete team win that showcased the Pirates' depth, versatility, and offensive firepower as they continue to build momentum on the road.

LAST WEEK REVIEW

Gritty Finish Against Monroe

The Pirates opened the stretch with a nail-biting 57–55 win over Monroe in a game that went down to the wire. Monroe jumped out to an early 18–7 lead, fueled by free throws and fast-break points, but Pensacola State stayed composed and chipped away at the deficit. By halftime, the gap was just two points.

Defensive adjustments proved decisive in the second half, as the Pirates held Monroe to only four free throws and two fast-break points after the break. Five players scored nine or more points, but Malick Sene stole the spotlight with a clutch double-double—10 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. His offensive rebound in the closing seconds sealed the win, underscoring Pensacola's grit and ability to close out tight contests.

Statement Win Over Lawson State

Next up was Lawson State, and Pensacola State delivered an emphatic 89–74 victory. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Lawson State's hot shooting from deep (8-for-13 from three) giving them a slim halftime lead. But the Pirates erupted for 52 second-half points, flipping the script with defensive adjustments and a balanced offensive attack.

Alex Madrid orchestrated the offense with seven assists, while Sean Owens (17 points) and Josh Middlebrooks (11 points, five rebounds) provided key contributions. Deven Bates added 20 points and five boards, but once again, Malick Sene dominated—posting 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds. It was a statement performance that showcased Pensacola's ability to elevate its play when it matters most.

Dominant Road Win at Coastal Alabama South

The Pirates capped the run with a wire-to-wire 63–48 victory over Coastal Alabama South. Pensacola set the tone early with suffocating defense, holding the home team to just 19 first-half points and building a lead that ballooned to 23 at one stage.

Ethan McDonald sparked the offense with four three-pointers, while Sene continued his interior dominance with 12 rebounds and four steals. Off the bench, Waris Njoya added nine points and five boards, and Bates delivered another all-around effort with 16 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. It was a complete team performance that reinforced the Pirates' defensive identity and depth.