Carthage, Texas ? The Panola College men?s basketball team took defeat to Lamar State Port-Arthur this evening, 97-95. The loss drops the Ponies record to 10-5 and 2-2 in Region 14 play. ?Our guys never gave up. They battled the entire game.? Head Coach Grant McMillan said. ?This team has faced yet again, another major dose of adversity. We will have to learn and grow from tonight.? He added.

A back and forth first half saw the score tied up at 39 with 3:08 seconds remaining in the half. Lamar State went on a 13-2 run to end the half to take a 52-41 halftime lead. Port-Arthur extended their lead to 15 points in the second half before Panola clawed their way back. The Ponies eventually tied the ball game when Devyn Wilson hit two free throws to even the score at 95 with: 07 seconds remaining. The ensuing possession Lamar State hit a jumper to take the 97-95 lead. Panola never got a shot off as the game ended.

Wilson led Panola with 23 points, while netted five 3-pointers. Tope Arikawe recorded a double-double in the loss with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Marlon Taylor came off the bench and scored 17 points. Lamar State Port-Arthur shot a staggering 64% from the three point line for the game. As a team, Panola out rebounded, recorded more steals and had less turnovers than Port-Arthur.

A quick turnaround for Panola as they head to Lufkin, Texas to take on Angelina College this upcoming Monday, January 9th. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.