BRENHAM, Texas — Three Buccaneers scored double-digit points for the Blinn College women's basketball team (9-1) to defeat Collin County Community College, 80-72, on Saturday afternoon in the Kruse Center.
"It was a very close, grind-it-out type of game that we needed before we start the conference season against a well-coached team," said Jeff Jenkins, Blinn head coach. "The five that we had in at the end played really well defensively and they found a way to win, so I am happy."
Gabriela Bosquez led the Buccaneers with 16 points, while Jessica Soders and Kristine Ezimako each scored 14.
"We are an aggressive team with a lot of talent and we wanted to win this game," Bosquez said. '"It was a big win against a strong team, so that definitely gives us confidence as we enter into the conference season."
Blinn jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the first quarter and followed on a 13-2 run as Alanna Spencer, Mia Cherry, and Bosquez all hit three-pointers to pull the Buccaneers ahead 25-8. Bosquez finished the quarter with two shots at the free-throw line for Blinn to lead 27-10 entering the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Collin County pulled within seven points of the Buccaneers, 33-26, at the 4:00 mark, but Bosquez hit a three-pointer to widen the gap. Blinn ended the quarter on a 7-2 run led by Deja Adrian with five points to lead 43-33 at the break.
Collin County started to make a comeback in the third quarter as the Cougars outscored the Buccaneers 23-15. Blinn was able to hold a 58-56 lead heading into the final quarter as Soders hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Buccaneers started the final quarter on a 12-6 lead for a 70-62 advantage. The Cougars came within two points of catching up with the Buccaneers, 70-68, with 3:26 left to play, but back-to-back shots by Bosquez and Hailey Atwood kept Blinn ahead. Blinn finished off Collin County with six straight points for the 80-72 win.
Next, the Blinn women's basketball team will open conference play against Panola College on Wednesday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m. on the road.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
