Rainey hits game-winner for Blinn over Coastal Bend at the buzzer, 74-72

BEEVILLE, Texas — AJ Rainey hit a game-winning two-pointer for the Blinn College men's basketball team (18-6, 6-6) to defeat Coastal Bend College, 74-72, at the buzzer Wednesday night on the road.

"I give a lot of credit to our guys for hanging in there and never giving in to the adversity," said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach. "They fought hard and were able to get the win."

Kai Tease led Blinn's offense with 19 points, while Rainey followed with 18. Tristan Ikpe was next with 11 points, while Uriel Velis added 10.

Blinn had to overcome a 13-point deficit after falling behind 42-29 at the half. The Buccaneers rallied to pull ahead of Coastal Bend and lead 70-69 with 40 seconds remaining. Ikpe delivered behind the free throw line with 40 seconds to go, making two shots for Blinn to lead 72-69.  However, Coastal Bend evened the score 72-72 with a three-pointer. With the clock ticking, Blinn went for the winning two-pointer with 3.6 seconds remaining, but missed it. Right at the buzzer, Rainey came up with the putback for the win.

Blinn will return home to the Kruse Center for its final non-conference game of the season against the Houston Gladiators on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. The Blinn College women's basketball team will open the doubleheader against No. 2 Trinity Valley Community College at 2 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987.