BRENHAM, Texas – After a sluggish first quarter, Blinn College women’s basketball found an offensive rhythm and was able to pull away from Bossier Parish Community College for an 84-71 victory Saturday afternoon inside the P.E. Building.
This the first conference victory for the Buccaneers as they now improve to 1-2 in Region XIV play and 5-4 overall. Blinn did better on offense and also took control of the rebounding.
“We need to rebound as a team and I was proud of them tonight,” said Jeff Jenkins, Blinn head coach. “When things got close in the fourth we didn’t shut down and we made some plays when we needed to.”
Aside from the first quarter, Blinn looked solid offensively and it was Daikea Milton leading the way with 20 points. Ke’Asia Williams chipped in 16 points, Jade Rochelle had 12 and Jasmine Redmond finished with 11 points.
“My foul trouble was really getting to me early but once I just focused on defense it made everything easier,” Rochelle said. “We did better on rebounding this game and it is all about effort.”
Blinn had a tough time cracking the Bossier Parish defense in the first quarter and four Blinn players each scored two points. Bossier Parrish wasn’t much better on offense and only led 10-8 after one.
Offense picked up for the Buccaneers as Milton scored seven in the quarter and Williams added six points. Bossier Parish also picked it up offensively and traded baskets with the Buccaneers. Blinn grabbed its first lead in the quarter after a 3 by Milton to make the score 31-30 with 2:11 left. Blinn held on to a 35-34 lead at the break.
Milton continued the strong offensive show in the third quarter with 11 points but Blinn couldn’t create any distance until the final 1:46. The Buccaneers closed out the quarter on a 7-1 run with two points from Milton to hold a 59-54 lead heading into the final quarter.
Blinn kept the offensive pressure on with seven points from Redmond and six from Rochelle. Bossier Parish got within with four at 73-69 but Blinn was able to tighten up defensively and pull away for the 13-point victory.
Blinn will travel to Waco for a non-conference game against McLennan Community College on Monday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 34 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.