Carthage, TX ? The Panola College men?s basketball team defeated Navarro College here Saturday afternoon, 76-61. The victory propels Panola?s record to 13-6 and 5-3 in Region 14 play. ?There were multiple people that stepped up tonight. It was just the way the game went in the first half and our guys responded.? Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. ?It was good to see our guys fly around on the defensive end.?

Panola gradually pulled away in the first half taking a 12 point lead 29-17 with just under 6:00 minutes remaining in the first half. Navarro responded with a quick run and found themselves down 35-31 headed into halftime. After trading baskets to start the second half, back-to-back three point plays by Marlon Taylor and KJ Byers saw Panola?s lead grow back to double-digits. Navarro never threatened the rest of the way.

Marlon Taylor led the way offensively for the Ponies recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Tope Arikawe also recorded a double-double netting 13 points and chasing down 11 rebounds. Eric McGill came off the bench and scored 12 points. As a team Panola recorded 40 rebounds and shot 85 percent from the free throw line.

The Ponies continue Region 14 play when they head to nationally ranked Trinity Valley this upcoming Wednesday, January 25th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM on the campus of Trinity Valley Community College.