VICTORIA, Texas – With two sophomores out due to injury, the Blinn Buccaneers leaned heavily on their freshmen to pick up a season-opening 93-68 victory over Victoria College here Saturday.
Freshman forward Ja’Cardo Hawkins scored a game-high 17 points and two of the Buccaneers’ other three double-digit scorers were also making their collegiate debut as the Bucs jumped out to a 48-23 lead by halftime.
“I thought we did a really good job defensively and shared the ball on offense really well,” said head coach Scott Schumacher.
Sophomore point guard Lionheart Leslie added 12 points, freshman forward Rick Curry scored 11 and freshman post Vicktor Arnick added 10.
Sophomores Jalan McCloud and Tyler Pate were each out with injuries.
“I thought Jacardo really played well,” Schumacher said. “Vicktor came in and hit two threes and gave us a shot of energy. I thought the team kept its intensity level up the whole game.”
The Buccaneers play their home opener Monday when they host Houston Community College at 7:30 p.m. in the Blinn P.E. Building.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 29 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
