ODESSA, Texas – Howard College tried its best to slow down the game and force the normally transition-oriented offense of Blinn into a half-court set but the Buccaneers still were able to pull away in the final 10 minutes for a 76-52 victory Nov. 7 in Odessa.
Katelynn Johnson led the way for Blinn College with 18 points with the help of four 3-pointers in the game. Alexus Freeman chipped in with 15 points while Chant Lewis added 10 points as the three girls in double figures.
Nancy Warioba, who transferred from Howard, played a strong game against her former school as she finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Ashley Cherry finished with seven rebounds while Brianna Luton had eight points on the night and four rebounds.
The game was close at the half as Blinn was clinging to a 32-30 lead at the break but the Buccaneers came through in the end.
“I don’t know if our defense was playing better but they (Howard) started missing more shots near the end,” said Blinn head coach Jeff Jenkins. “Howard was hitting their shots early. They like to slow the ball down real good and use the shot clock.”
For a team that usually likes to run the transition offense, Blinn had to slow it down to face Howard but Jenkins said it is good for his team to face all types of offense.
Blinn was able to outscore Howard 44-22 in the final 20 minutes to come away with the victory. The Buccaneers shot 41 percent in the game while Howard was reduced to 29 percent on the game.
Jenkins said he still would like to see better rebounding from his team and that the girls just need to be more aggressive when it comes to going after the ball.
Blinn will play against Odessa College on Nov. 8 at 4 p.m.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 29 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
