TYLER, Texas – One day after securing the program's first-ever trip to the Region XIV championship game, the Blinn Buccaneer men's basketball just couldn't find a way to punch their ticket to nationals, falling 75-69 to Navarro College in the Region XIV conference title game.

The Bucs built a 34-26 halftime advantage, but just couldn't overcome a free-throw shooting exhibition by Navarro in the second half. The Bulldogs shot 23-27 from the charity stripe in the second half, including 12-14 in the final 1:36 to help seal the win.

The Buccaneers shot 39% percent (22-56) from the field on the night, including 7-14 from 3-point range. However, the Bucs struggled at the free-throw line, finishing 18-31 (58%) and 11-20 in the second half.

Blinn was led by sophomore forward Joel Wright, who led all scorers with 20 points. Freshman guard Daishon Knight added 16 points and sophomore forward Titus Rubles finished with a double-double (12 points/11 rebounds). Following the game, Wright and Rubles were selected to the All Tournament team.

The Bulldogs (25-9) had four players score in double-digits, led by Hyjji Thomas with 19.

The Buccaneers finish the season with a program best 27-7 record and their first trip to the Region XIV title game.