BLINN WOMEN FALL TO TEMPLE 64-56

Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information

The No. 25 Blinn College women's basketball team was unable to overcome a rough first half of basketball in its first game of 2025, and Temple College took advantage en route to a 64-56 victory Saturday at the Kruse Center in Brenham, Texas.

"We didn't play well today," Buccaneers head coach Jeff Jenkins said. "Give Temple credit because they're a great offensive team and they made shots all game, including some big shots down the stretch. We played hard, we just didn't do enough at the end to win it."

Blinn (11-3) was playing its first game since Dec. 11 and looked rusty as it struggled from the floor, at the free throw line, on the boards, and with ball security in the first half.

Those early woes allowed the Leopards to build a 22-12 lead by the end of the first quarter and carry a 37-26 advantage into halftime.

Temple earned its biggest advantage of the game at 47-29 early in the third period, but the Bucs came alive with a 16-4 run to pull within 51-45 just before the quarter concluded.

Blinn stayed within arm's length the rest of the way, but the Leopards hit some timely buckets and the Bucs were unable to complete their rally.

"We'll try to learn from this one during practice on Sunday and get ready for Ranger on Monday," Jenkins added.

Eleven different players scored at least one point for the Bucs, led by sophomore guard Jonesha Neal's 19-point effort. Sophomore forward Tocarra Johnson followed with 11.

Up next, Blinn visits Ranger College at 5:30 p.m. tonight (Monday).