PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Blinn College men's basketball team (21-9, 11-8) defeated Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 79-68, in the final game of the regular season.

Blinn finished the regular season with a 21-9 overall record and 11-8 conference record for a second-place finish in the Region XIV-South Division and the No. 2 seed heading into the Region XIV Tournament.

"I am very proud of our players for going on the road and winning the last game of the season," said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach. "Nothing was on the line, but to compete and play, and to come out on top of a very good Lamar State-Port Arthur team is a big credit to them."

Tristan Ikpe led the Buccaneers with 16 points, while Jacob Paske and Uriel Velis each put up 12. Pedro Castro scored 10 and Markus Vallien tallied nine in the win.

Blinn and Lamar State-Port Arthur played a close first half, but the Buccaneers were able to grab and hold onto a 41-40 lead at the break. The Buccaneers fought to outscore the Seahawks 38-28 in the second half to claim the 11-point victory.

Next, the Buccaneers will get a bye in the first round of the Region XIV Tournament and then compete against the winner of Game 2 at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

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