MIDLAND, Texas — The Blinn College men's basketball team (3-0) opened the Midland Classic with a 79-71 win against New Mexico Military Institute on Thursday night at the Chaparral Center.

"Our guys played really well and we had five guys score double figures for a combined 64 points, which is really good," said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach.

Five Buccaneers reached double-digit points as AJ Rainey led the way with 16 and Azariah Seay followed with 15. Tristan Ikpe recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Cardell McGee and Uriel Velis each recorded 10 points, while Velis was also second on the team with six rebounds.

The Buccaneers built a 43-39 lead at the half that they held onto for the remainder of the game. In the second half, Blinn outscored New Mexico Military 36-32 for the eight-point win.

Next, Blinn will continue tournament play against Midland College on Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.