BRENHAM, Texas – Blinn College men's basketball snapped a two-game losing streak with a 68-54 victory over the Lee College Rebels on Wednesday night in the Kruse Center.
"Lee is a very dangerous team, but I thought our guys really hung tough and played well together," said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach. "I thought our toughness really came through, especially in the second half when Lee was making some runs, but we were able to string some offensive scores and defensive stops together."
Antione Lister contributed 15 points to lead the Blinn offense. Next was Tyrus Grayson with 12 points, while Markques Houston followed with 11 points and Tony Lewis with nine points.
"As long as we keep moving the ball, we open up so many easy opportunities and everyone on the team scores," Lister said. "We really preach energy and we feed off of each other and off of any big plays. That is what really gets us into the game."
Blinn and Lee opened the game with back and forth play for the score to remain even 10-10 with 13 minutes left before the halftime. Kae'ron Baker ignited Blinn's offense with a shot from downtown and Blinn went on a 7-0 run to separate from Lee 21-13. Lee answered back with six straight points to gain on the Buccaneers, but Lister and Houston combined for the next eight points for Blinn to stay on top 33-18. Houston led the Buccaneers in the first half with 11 points for Blinn to lead 42-31 heading into the second quarter.
Grayson led the Buccaneers in the second half with eight points, while Lewis followed with seven to keep Blinn ahead of Lee for the final 20 minutes. Lee made up ground by sinking four three-pointers to narrow in on Blinn 55-50, but the Buccaneers pulled back ahead with an 11-0 run highlighted by Lewis scoring six straight points. Grayson scored the final points for Blinn to cap a 68-54 win.
The win increases Blinn's overall record to 15-8 and Region XIV conference record to 6-7. The Buccaneers are 12-3 at home this season.
The Buccaneers will host San Jacinto College-Central on Saturday, Feb. 10 in the Kruse Center at 4 p.m. following the women's basketball game against San Jacinto College-North starting at 2 p.m.
Both games will be Adam's Angels Ministry fundraiser games in which Blinn raises money and awareness for Adam's Angels. Adam's Angels Ministry is called to provide care and comfort for families that are in a battle against childhood cancer. The fundraising effort is part of Blinn's Adopt-a-Charity program in which all Blinn athletic programs dedicate a portion of their gate proceeds towards a charity. For more information on Adam's Angels Ministry visit www.adamsangelsministry.org.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 36 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
