November 30, 2017 Carthage – The Panola College men’s basketball team dropped their conference opener to Blinn College hear this evening 73-71. The loss drops their record to 6-4 and 0-1 in Region 14 play. “This team has hit more adversity than I can ever remember a team having to face. We fought back and Blinn hit a three by a player that hasn’t taken one all year. Sometimes that’s how this game goes.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “I am beyond proud of our effort and if we can continue to grow we know we can be successful.” He added.
The first half was full of runs by each team. Panola came out hot hitting three of their first four attempts from three to take a 9-3 lead. Blinn came back with a barrage of three’s of their own taking an eight point lead 26-18. Panola regained the lead on two TJ killings free throws but Blinn responded with a 12-0 run to take a 29-39 halftime lead.
Panola chipped away the entire second half and came back to tie the ball game 53 all with 8:35 remaining. The back and forth finish saw Panola take the largest lead of the half 62-58 on a Juwan Williams 4-point play. With Blinn forced to foul, TJ Killings missed the front end of a 1-1 with 8.2 seconds left. Blinn drove do the floor and made a three pointer as time expired to give them the two point victory.
Five players scored in double figures and were led by Juwan Williams 15 points. Marlon Taylor added 14, TJ Killings with 11 and Alex Holcombe and Jeremy Roscoe netted 10 each. Roscoe and Killings both recorded nine assists in the lost. As a team, Panola only committed six turnovers on the game.
Panola continues Region 14 play this upcoming Saturday, December 2nd when they head to San Jacinto College. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM on the campus of San Jacinto-Central.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
