November 28, 2016 Lufkin, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team went 1-1 this past weekend at the Guy Davis Thanksgiving Classic in Lufkin, Texas at Angelina College. After this weekend, Panola claims a 7-3 record. “Once again, our guys faced a tremendous amount of adversity in the two games we played.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “I think we are finally starting to figure some things out on both ends of the floor. Our non-conference schedule has certainly prepared us for our league opener this week.” He Added.
Game 1 - #9 Odessa 73 Panola 70
Panola College and Odessa College opened the tournament Friday afternoon. After a back and forth battle to begin the game. Odessa nailed a flurry of three pointers to take a 17-34 lead with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half. Panola closed the half on a 12-6 run and found themselves trailing at halftime, 29-40.
The Ponies started strong in the second half going on 30-14 run to take a 59-54 lead at the six minute mark in the second half. With the score 63-60 and 2:14 remaining in the ball game, Odessa stole a pass and raced down to score a lay-up along with a foul. A controversial double technical as well as a flagrant foul call, led to Odessa shooting three foul shots and retaining possession. Panola had two separate three point attempts to tie the game but neither fell.
Leading the way for the Ponies was big man, Tope Arikawe. He recorded a double-double in the loss netting 20 points and chasing down 14 rebounds.
Game 2 – Panola 98 – Southwestern Christian 90
Panola’s second game featured the Ponies and Region V opponent Southwestern Christian. In a fast paced game, Panola found themselves ahead at halftime 48-42. The first five minutes of the second half the Ponies grew their lead to 15 points but Southwestern crawled their way back. Again, red hot shooting from Southwestern gave them a 75-70 lead with 6:43 remaining in the ball game. Panola regained the lead 87-84 before Southwestern hit a three with .48 seconds remaining to send the game in overtime.
In overtime, Panola scored the first six points and played stellar defense holding Southwestern to just three total in the overtime period.
Leading the way offensively for Panola was Tyonte Robertson who recorded a career high 24 points. Chan Williams-Bey also netted 20 points. Eric McGill scored in double-figures with 18. Marlon Taylor recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Bryson Lockley had a career high 10 rebounds. Panola shot a season high 42 percent from three in the victory.
Panola will begin conference play this upcoming Wednesday when they head to Blinn College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 on the campus of Blinn College.
