By Benny Rogers, TVCC Sports Information
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
In a game played under the national spotlight, the third-ranked Lady Cardinals scored an impressive 89-72 road win against the 12th-ranked Blinn College Lady Buccaneers Wednesday night.
The win upped Coach Elena Lovato’s squad to 15-1 overall and 2-0 in Region XIV Conference. The loss was the first of the season for the Lady Bucs, who dropped to 16-1 and 2-1.
Five players scored in double figures for the Lady Cardinals, led by Shannon Smith with 20. Adut Bulgak and Shlonte’ Allen added 19, Savannah Carter finished with 11 and Krystle Henderson 10.
Blinn’s top scorer was Aarika Reyna with 17 points.
The Lady Cardinals are scheduled to be back on the road Saturday, going to Paris for a 4 p.m. tipoff. Paris is 6-9 on the year and 1-2 in the conference.
The next home game for the Lady Cardinals is Wednesday, Jan. 16 against Kilgore.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Jhaustin Thomas and Karon Phillips poured in 20 points each to lead the Cardinals to an 82-73 win against Blinn College’s Buccaneers Wednesday night.
Thomas was the steadiest of scorers for Coach Kris Baumann’s squad, scoring 10 in each half. Phillips gave the Cardinals a spark to pull away in the second half, pouring in all his points in the final 20 minutes.
The score was tied 30-30 at the half.
Octavius Ellis and Jarion Henry also scord in twin figures for the Cardinals with 13 and 12, respectively.
Blinn was led by Rashaun Stimage with 18 points. Donald Moore had 17 and T.J. Berry 14.
The Cardinals will be at home again Saturday against Coastal Bend Community College (10-3, 4-2).
Game time is 4 p.m.