TVCC men drop Lee, 99-81

254814_10151313849267284_398758990_nBy Benny Rogers, TVCC Sports Information

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Talk about overcoming a slow start!

With 7:17 left in the first half Saturday at Cardinal Gym, the Cardinals found themselves in a 40-19 deficit to the Lee College Rebels, who had hit nine three-pointers. By halftime, they were back in the game, trailing by just six, 47-41.

In the second half, the Cardinals hit stride and blew away the Rebels for a 99-81 win.

Freshman Jarion Henry, in his first game of the season, led the assault with 32 points. Karon Phillips and Josh Gentry tossed in 13 and 10, respectively.

The win improved first-year coach Kris Baumann’s Cardinals to 12-4 on the season and 3-2 in the the conference. Lee dropped to 10-6 and 2-3.

The Cardinals are scheduled to return to action Wednesday at Brenhman against Blinn College. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Cardinals will be at home again Saturday against Coastal Bend Community College. Game time is 4 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The fifth-ranked Lady Cardinals are scheduled to return to action Wednesday at Brenham against 14th-ranked and unbeaten Blinn College (15-0). Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Coach Elena Lovato’s squad will carry a 14-1 record into the game. The Lady Cardinals, who have won 11 straight conference championships, are 1-0 in league play. Blinn is 2-0.

The Lady Cardinals observed an open date Saturday. Blinn scored an impressive 84-71 road win against Tyler.

The next home game for the Lady Cardinals is Wednesday, Jan. 16 against Kilgore.