TEMPLE, Texas – Blinn College women’s basketball used a fast start and a strong defensive finish to secure a 66-49 victory over Temple College Monday night in Temple.
The Buccaneers started out fast by propelling to a 38-25 lead at the half and then denied any chance of a comeback in the fourth quarter as Temple could only score six points in the final quarter to improve to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in Region XIV play.
Ekiya Gray was a big piece of the offense as she led Blinn with 15 points while Penina Faumui chipped in 13 points and Bryanna Taylor had 12 points. Jeliah Preston also reached double figures with 10 while Ashley Ford had eight and Ebony Parker finished with six points.
Gray is one of team leaders in assists but was still able to lead the Buccaneers in points while Faumui’s offensive game has shown steady improvement the last few games.
“This is probably the best game that I have seen from Penina in the one and a half seasons that she has been here,” said Blinn head coach Jeff Jenkins. “Ekiya is very unselfish and likes to pass first but was still able to lead us in points.”
Blinn started the game fast by leading 19-14 after the first quarter and only improved on that performance in the second quarter. The Buccaneers held a 38-25 lead after outscoring Temple 19-11 in the second.
Temple did try to chip away at the lead with a strong third quarter to get within 51-43 heading into the fourth quarter but the Buccaneers were able to put the defensive clamps down to shut Temple down to only six points in the final 10 minutes.
“We played hard against a well-coached team,” Jenkins said. “Anytime you get a win on the road after the Thanksgiving break is big.”
Blinn will get back into conference play Wednesday, Dec. 2 when it travels to face Kilgore 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.
