WACO, Texas – Blinn College women’s basketball was unable to hold on to a late lead and fell 79-72 to Hill College Saturday afternoon at the McLennan Shootout in Waco.
The Buccaneers led by four points at the start of the fourth quarter but defensive lapses and shortcomings on offense allowed Hill to storm back for the win that lowers the Blinn overall record to 9-5. Blinn remains at 2-3 in Region XIV play after the non-conference loss.
“We just couldn’t get a big stop but I have to credit Hill for the way they played,” said Blinn head coach Jeff Jenkins. “It was a game of runs where we had our leads and Hill had leads also but they played well at the right time.”
Ekiya Gray and Ebony Parker were able to pace Blinn with 16 points while Jeliah Preston added 15 points and Denisha Ford chipped in with 10.
In a game of runs, Hill was able to jump out to the early lead by claiming an 18-14 lead after the first quarter. The Buccaneers fought back in the second quarter to outscore Hill by four to knot the game up at 37-37 at the break.
The momentum continued for Blinn with a strong third quarter that fought for a 57-53 lead after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter however, the momentum shifted back to Hill. Blinn was unable to get key stops and had a tough time scoring as Hill took advantage to pick up the non-conference victory.
Blinn will have another game in the McLennan Shootout Sunday, Jan. 3 against No. 15 Collin County Community College at 3 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.
