Brenham, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Blinn College here Wednesday Night, 65-63. With the victory, Panola raises their record to 8-3 and 1-0 in Region 14 play. “That was one of the coolest atmospheres I’ve ever coached in.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “Majority of the ball game we executed our game plan but some costly turnovers kept Blinn hanging around.” He added.
The Ponies found themselves down to start the ball game 2-0 but a Tyonte Robertson three pointer gave them a 3-2 lead. The Ponies never lost the lead the rest of the way. Panola led by as much as nine points in the first half and led at the break 38-32. In the second half, Panola increased their lead to 57-43 with 7:54 remaining in the game. Blinn clawed their way back and had a chance to tie the ball game with just under 12 seconds remaining before a monstrous block by Marlon Taylor prevented the comeback.
Leading the way for the Ponies was Tope Arikawe who netted 12 points and chased down 10 rebounds. Marlon Taylor scored in double figures with 12 and Tyonte Robertson and Eric McGill both scored 10 points, respectively. KJ Byers came off the bench and chased down five rebounds and recorded four blocks. For the game, Panola shot 41 percent from the field and gathered 37 rebounds.
Panola continues league play this upcoming Saturday, December 3rd when they host San Jacinto College. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium on the campus of Panola College.