BAYTOWN, Texas – Missed free throws and a strong second half by Lee College both played a part in the Blinn College men’s basketball team falling 76-72 Jan. 14 in Baytown for its second consecutive loss on the road.
The Buccaneers held a 36-29 lead at the half even with an offense that struggled in the first 20 minutes but the missed free throws and missed opportunities allowed Lee to surge back and eventually win the game.
Ja’Cardo Hawkins had a strong game in the paint with 19 points and 14 rebounds while Morris Dunnigan finished with 20 points. Vicktor Arnink narrowly missed out on a double double of his own by scoring 14 points and securing eight rebounds.
Even with a seven-point lead at the half, Lee charged back with a big run to open the second half but Blinn was able to stay in the game, even with the struggle on offense.
“We did not shoot well from the field for the whole game,” said Blinn head coach Scott Schumacher. “The first half we controlled the offense and even with the big run given up we were right there in the end.”
Blinn had an opportunity to tie the game in the final minute with a 3-pointer but that attempt missed and Lee nailed its free throws down the stretch to seal the game. The loss moves the Blinn record to 5-3 in conference and 13-4 overall.
Blinn will be back home Jan. 17 when it hosts Jacksonville College at 6 p.m.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 30 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
