March 21, 2017 Hutchinson, Kansas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Shelton State here Monday afternoon in the first round of the NJCAA D1 national tournament, 77-65. With the victory, Panola advances to the second round of the Tournament. The Ponies improves their record to 26-8. “Our guys did a tremendous job playing in the moment. We made plays and executed all game long.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated.
Shelton State led the first six minutes of the ball game before Panola took control. Eric McGill scored 13 first half points and took the biggest lead of their game, 17 points, with 37 seconds remaining in the 1st half. Panola took a 42-27 halftime lead. Panola maintained a double-digit lead most of the second half until back-to-back Shelton State three pointers cut the Panola lead to six with just under 5:00 minutes remaining. An Eric McGill three pointer and a KJ Byers lay-up extended their lead back to double-digits and the 12 point victory.
McGill led the Ponies in scoring with 20 points for the game. Tope Arikawe had 15 points and chased down seven rebounds. Devyn Wilson scored in double figures with 10. Byers recorded three blocks in the victory. Panola shot 42 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free throw line. They forced 15 Shelton State turnovers.
Panola will take on South Plains College March 21st at 6:30 PM at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The game is streamed live on NJCAA TV.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
