PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Markques Houston not only led the Blinn College men's basketball team with 16 points, but he also made two free throws in the final seconds of Blinn's 57-56 victory over Lamar State College – Port Arthur.
The win marks Blinn's fourth straight victory as the Buccaneers increase to 14-6 overall and 5-5 in Region XIV play.
Four Buccaneers reached double-digits on offense. Following Houston, Antione Lister recorded 13 points, Tony Lewis chipped in 12 points and Curtlon Wesley came up with 11 points. Bradley George led Blinn with six assists, while Lewis led the defense with seven rebounds.
Blinn and Lamar State-Port Arthur played a close first half, but the Buccaneers prevailed at the end of the opening period with a 28-24 advantage.
The lead shifted back and forth in the second half. With five minutes left of play, the Buccaneers were down by seven, but rallied. A shot from downtown by Lister put the Buccaneers ahead by one with 50 seconds remaining until Lamar State-Port Arthur grabbed back a 56-55 lead at the free-throw line. With 5.1 seconds left, Houston went two-for-two at the free-throw line to give Blinn back a 57-56 lead that would eventually win the game.
Blinn will be back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 31 when the Buccaneers aim for their fifth straight win against Angelina College at 7:30 p.m. in the Kruse Center.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 36 NJCAA national championships since 1987.