BRENHAM, Texas — The No. 24 Blinn College women's basketball team (23-6, 12-5) took down Angelina College on Wednesday night in the Kruse Center on Sophomore Night.

"Angelina set the pace and we never got going offensively, but defensively we played pretty well all night and we found a way to win," said Jeff Jenkins, Blinn head coach. "This is a special group and these sophomores really have changed this program around from last year."

With the game tied 58-58 in the final 6.2 seconds, sophomore Mia Cherry scored the final points for the Buccaneers to get the win with a 3-pointer and two free throws.

"It was a fun way to win, so I am happy for Mia and happy for the team," Jenkins said.

Kristine Ezimako led the Buccaneers with 19 points, Cherry followed with 16 and Hailey Atwood scored 12.

"During practice we push each other so hard, so when it comes to tough shots and tough games like this we know that we are going to compete and not give up," Cherry said. "I knew I needed to put the ball in the air and trusted that it was going to go in. This team has become my family, so I am really grateful that I am able to be a part of such a great team."

After Blinn had led through the first three quarters, Angelina was able to tie the game for the first time at the 7:46 mark and then take a 54-48 lead in the final quarter. Gabriela Bosquez and Cherry made back-to-back 3-pointers to even the score, while Atwood followed with a 2-pointer to put Blinn back on top. Blinn and Angelina went back and forth before Angelina tied the game 58-58. Cherry scored the final five points for the Buccaneers to seal the win.

Earlier in the game, the Buccaneers battled it out to grab a 17-16 lead to open the first quarter. Bosquez started things off with a 3-pointer and Jessica Soders followed with a 2-pointer for Blinn to take a 5-0 lead. Keaundra Eddings led the Buccaneers on a 7-2 with a shot from downtown for Blinn to lead 17-13. Angelina finished the quarter with a 3-pointer.

Cherry and Ezimako each scored 3-pointers for Blinn to open the second half on top 23-18. At the 3:05 mark, Ezimako and Briauna Johnson combined for five straight points for the Buccaneers to stay ahead 34-25. Angelina scored the final four points, but still trailed 34-29 at the half.

Cherry scored the first five points for the Buccaneers in the third quarter for Blinn to lead 39-31. Ezimako led Blinn on a 7-0 run to take a 10-point (46-36) lead, but Angelina scored seven straight points before the quarter was up to trail 46-43 entering the fourth.

Next, the Buccaneers will complete the regular season against Paris Junior College on the road on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 2 p.m.

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