PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Blinn College men's basketball was unable to get key stops early on in the game as Lamar State College – Port Arthur jumped out to an early lead and held that lead wire to wire for the 76-63 victory Wednesday night.
With the loss, Blinn falls to 16-11 overall and 6-10 in Region XIV play.
"We just need to play with more effort and more intensity to win these games," said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach.
James Harrison led the way for the Buccaneers with 14 points while Antione Lister and LaKendric Hyson each scored 13 points. Curtlon Wesley led Blinn with seven rebounds and Tyler Barlow grabbed five boards. Port Arthur shot 40 free throws compared to just 16 for Blinn.
The first half started out a little shaky for Blinn on the defensive side of the ball as the Buccaneers could not get the necessary stops and trailed 46-34 at the half.
Port Arthur kept Blinn at bay in the second half by upholding its double-digit lead for almost the entire second half. Blinn did sink a 3-pointer with 2:04 remaining to get within 72-63 but Port Arthur scored the final four points to hold on for the victory.
Blinn will be back home on Saturday, Feb. 25 against Angelina College at 4 p.m.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 34 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
About Blinn College
With an enrollment of 19,422 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for affordable educational excellence. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.
