TYLER, Texas – Blinn College women’s basketball put in great effort for three quarters on the road but it was the fourth that hurt as Tyler Junior College was able to pull away for a 69-59 victory Saturday afternoon in Tyler.
“We played well on the road and our effort was good,” said Blinn head coach Jeff Jenkins. “Tyler just made plays in the fourth quarter.”
Missing free throws down the stretch hurt the Buccaneers as Blinn’s overall record now slips to 11-6 with the loss and 3-4 in Region XIV play.
Jeliah Preston and Penina Faumaui paced Blinn with 13 points apiece while Ebony Parker and Ekiya Gray each scored 12 points in the loss.
The game was very even in the opening half as Tyler and Blinn each scored 20 points in the first quarter and then Tyler was able to take a slim 34-33 lead at the break.
The Buccaneers recovered in the third quarter to level up the game at 47-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
Free throws made all the difference in the fourth as Blinn only made one of six while Tyler made all 12 of its foul shots. Tyler was able to outscore Blinn 22-12 in the final 10 minutes to come away with the victory.
Blinn will be back home Wednesday, Jan. 13 against Panola College at 5:30 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.
