Ponies
thunder past Bulldogs, 93-72
Longview News
Journal
Thursday, February 14, 2008
CARTHAGE — Papa Oppong sparked Panola's first-half attack, and Christopher Jones held a second-half passing exhibition Wednesday as the Ponies recorded a 93-72 demolition of the Navarro College Bulldogs at Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.
The 6-4 Oppong scored 16 of his 24 points (8-for-13 shooting) in the first half as the Ponies built a 50-28 cushion at the break. Jones, a left-handed 6-1 point guard, had 11 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, including eight assists and five boards in the second half. He also shot 3-for-4 from three-point range.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Panola (15-9, 8-8). Wednesday night's effort was a stark contrast to recent games as Panola shot 55.9 percent (38-for-68). Twenty-five baskets came off assists. Jones said ball movement was the difference.
"We moved the ball and played more as a team today. We played more together, and we ran the floor better than we usually do, and that kept us going," Jones said. "The more close shots you get, the better your shot falls when you shoot farther away from the basket."
Fran Urli, Justin Dennis and Elijah Cotton each scored 10 points and shot 14-for-22 collectively. Cotton added nine rebounds, and Aamir McCleary and Christian Jones — Christopher's twin brother — combined for seven assists.
Navarro's Chris Roberts scored 24 points despite shooting 3-for-11 from three-point range. Roberts made several athletic plays, including dunking four lobs. Josh Bonney and Keithrick Denson combined for 27 points and 12 boards inside. Deandre Brown had 12 points and six assists. Navarro (12-12, 9-7) had won 7 of 8 games before the loss.
Second half
Panola boosted its 22-point halftime lead to 33 points twice in the second half, the second of which came at 77-44 with 8:20 remaining. Seventeen of Panola's 18 second-half baskets came via assists.
First half
Panola jumped to leads of 16-3 and 26-13, but Navarro stayed within striking distance for the first 141/2 minutes. However, leading 36-25 with 5:32 remaining in the half, Panola scored 14 unanswered to double up the Bulldogs en route to a 50-28 halftime lead.
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