Panola Men Defeat Nationally Ranked Tyler Junior College in Overtime, 82-78

Marlon TaylorFebruary 23, 2017 - Tyler, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated 15th ranked Tyler Junior College here Wednesday evening in overtime, 82-78. The victory propels their record to 20-7 and 12-4 in Region 14 play. The win gives the Ponies seven straight victories. “Our guys did a tremendous job responding to adversity all game long.” Head Coach Grant McMillan mentioned. “New people step up for us on a nightly basis. We talk about it every day.” He added.

After a back and fourth start, Panola took a five point lead in the middle of the first half but could not distance themselves any farther. Tyler found some momentum and took a 36-30 halftime lead. Tyler gradually increased their lead in the second half and found themselves up by 11 points 55-44 with 11:37 remaining. Panola went on a 22-2 run the next seven minutes of the game giving them a nine point lead, 66-57. Panola struggled to catch a break the remaining minutes as Tyler chased down a long rebound and converted on the other end to tie the ball game at 68. Panola got a shot off as time expired but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Panola controlled overtime from the tip as they scored the first five points of the extra frame. Tyler cut the Panola lead to three, 79-76 but clutch free throw shooting ultimately game the Ponies the victory.

Leading the way offensively for Panola was Marlon Taylor who netted a career high 28 points and chased down 15 rebounds. Tope Arikawe scored 16 points in the victory and TJ Killings came off the bench to score 12. Eric McGill recorded 10 assists. As a team Panola recorded 51 rebounds and only committed 10 turnovers.

Panola continues Region 14 play this upcoming Saturday when the host Kilgore College. Tip off is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of Panola College.