March 5, 2016 - Lufkin, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Lamar State College-Port Arthur in the semifinals of the Region XIV Conference Tournament, 79-75. The victory propels the Ponies to the conference championship game tomorrow against Trinity Valley Community College. Panola’s record improves to 24-8. “Both teams did not want to lose that ball game.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “Multiple players stepped up on a variety of occasions. It’s what conference tournaments are all about.” He added.
In a game that saw seven lead changes and six ties, Panola used a steady first half attack to take a 43-36 halftime lead. Jonathan Wiley (Houston, Texas) scored a traditional three point play to start the half which gave Panola their biggest lead of the game. Port Arthur clawed their way back to tie the game at 72 with just under one minute remaining in the ball game. Charles Tucker (Lansing, Michigan) nailed a three pointer with 53 seconds remaining to break the tie. Panola closed the game out in the finishing seconds.
Tucker led the way offensively with 24 points on 7 of 10 shooting. Chan Williams-Bey (Hartford, Connecticut) netted 13 points and Terry Holt (Nashville, Tennessee) once again came off the bench and recorded 12 points. Devyn Wilson (Brooklyn, New York) also scored in double figures with 10. James Suber (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) chased down 11 rebounds. As a team Panola shot 50 percent from the field.
Panola will take on Trinity Valley Community College tomorrow in the regional final. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM on the campus of Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas.
