HOOPS: BUC MEN WIN; BUC WOMEN DROP HEART-BREAKER

Buccaneer men down LSC-Tomball, 119-82

Three Buccaneers score double-digit points

BRENHAM, Texas — The Blinn College men’s basketball team (6-1) defeated Lone Star College-Tomball, 119-82, on Thursday night in the Kruse Center.

“I enjoyed being a part of this basketball game and thought it was very entertaining,” said Scott Schumacher, Blinn head coach. “I am very happy for our guys and they had fun tonight getting this win.”

Tristan Ikpe led Blinn’s offense with 19 points, while Jacob Paske and Nic Tata each scored 17 points. Cardell McGee, Markus Vallien, and Nicholas Statz each chipped in nine points in the win.

“We have been working really hard and have had a great start to this season that we want to keep going,” Paske said. “We move the ball really well and when we do we pretty much are unstoppable because everyone can score on our team.”

Ikpe and McGee combined for Blinn’s first nine points as the Buccaneers took a 9-4 lead that they never surrendered. With nine minutes remaining in the first half, Blinn went on an 11-0 run led by AJ Rainey and Tata who combined for eight points for the Buccaneers to pull ahead 33-14. Blinn finished the half on a 12-3 run to lead 58-24.

Paske led Blinn in the second half with 10 points and went 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. He capped off a 15-point run with four points for Blinn to lead 85-39 with 10 minutes remaining. Blinn built its lead to 106-66 at the 4:22 mark and went on to earn a 37-point win.

Next, Blinn will travel to face McLennan Community College, on Tuesday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m. 

Ranger slips past the Buccaneers, 71-70

Kristine Ezimako scores season-high 26 points

BEEVILLE, Texas — Kristine Ezimako was impressive with a season-high 26 points for the Buccaneers, but Ranger College was able to slip past the Blinn College women’s basketball team (5-1) in the Coastal Bend Classic.

“Ranger is very well-coached and has a lot of talent, and we will be better later in the year from this game,” said Jeff Jenkins, Blinn head coach. “I was proud of my team for fighting to the end. This was a good learning experience.” 

Ezimako led Blinn’s offense and has scored more than 20 points in each of the last two games for the Buccaneers. Gabriela Bosquez followed on offense with 19 points.

Blinn opened the game with an 18-10 lead in the first quarter and kept a 32-27 at the half. In the third quarter, Blinn outscored Ranger by one point (14-13) to lead 46-40 going into the final quarter. However, Ranger rallied in the last quarter, outscoring the Buccaneers 31-24 for the one-point win.

Next, the Buccaneers will compete against Northeast Lakeview College on Friday, November 15, at 3 p.m. in the Coastal Bend Classic. 

For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.

(COURTESY: Tara Dreyer, Blinn Information)