WHYTE’S 3-POINTER LEADS BUC WOMEN OVER PARIS, 68-66

PARIS, Texas – With the game tied at 63-63 and only a minute remaining, Abigail Whyte nailed a big 3-pointer that helped Blinn College women's basketball edge Paris Junior College 68-66 Wednesday night in Paris.

"Abigail is a great defender and hits 3-pointers in practice but not many in a game," said Blinn head coach Jeff Jenkins. "It wasn't pretty but we found a way to win."

Coming away with a victory in the final minute helped the Buccaneers improve to 16-6 overall and 8-4 in Region XIV play. The Buccaneers have now won five consecutive conference games and three of those wins have come on the road.

Ebony Parker had a big first half with 24 of her total 27 points coming in the first 20 minutes and Jeliah Preston added 19 points. Normally relied upon for her defensive ability, Whyte was able to nail three 3-pointers to finish with nine points, including her final 3-pointer that helped to win the game.

Paris and Blinn kept it close throughout as both teams scored 18 points in the first quarter. The Buccaneers were able to grab a 36-32 lead at the half. Paris was able to crawl back into the game in the third quarter and tied the game at 46-46 heading into the fourth quarter.

Blinn initially looked as though it would control the win in the fourth with an eight-point lead with three minutes to play. Paris fought back to tie the game 63-63 but with the help of Whyte's 3-pointer, Blinn was able to pull out the two-point victory.

Blinn will be on the road again Saturday, Jan. 30 against Angelina College at 2 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.