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Western Texas College’s Jordan Evans dribbles against South Plains College during Monday’s game. The Westerners lost to South Plains 103-97 in overtime.
Top-ranked South Plains College rallied to force overtime and defeated Western Texas College 103-97 in a Western Junior College Athletic Conference basketball game Monday.
The Westerners (13-8, 5-3) took a 17-16 lead midway through the first half and held the lead until 1:43 left in regulation.
South Plains (20-0, 8-0) threatened to end the game during regulation.
Roberto Gallant made a 3-pointer, giving the Texans an 85-83 lead. DaQuan Jeffries made one free throw and Anton Bilous connected on a 3-point shot to give WTC an 87-85 lead with 1:07 left.
Gallant made another 3-pointer and tied the game at 87-87 with 49 seconds left while both teams missed shots during the final seconds.
In overtime, Shawntrez Davis scored and Josh Webster made two free throws, giving South Plans a 93-89 lead. Jeffries’ 3-point play pulled the Westerners to within 93-92. Jordan Brangers made a 3-pointer, but WTC kept the pressure on the Texans after Jordan Evans made a 3-pointer.
Davis’ field goal and two free throws by Brangers put South Plains ahead 100-95 with 31 seconds left in overtime.
The Westerners missed three shots during the closing seconds while the Texans made 3-of-4 free throws.
“South Plains got us with its experience during overtime,” WTC head coach Andre Owens said. “We held them off until the final three minutes of regulation and overtime. The players are starting to learn with losses to Odessa College and South Plains what they need to do to win close games.”
Brangers scored a game-high 35 points, nine during overtime. Gallant had 22 points and Jablil Tripp added 13 points.
“No. 23 (Brangers) is the best player in the conference,” Owens said. “We have done a good job this season holding players under their average, but he is a very good player.”
Evans came off the bench and scored 23 points for the Westerners. Jeffries had 16 points, all during the second half, and 12 rebounds.
Kevin Hicks scored 13 points, Anton Bilous had 12 points and Kolbe Kinghorn added 10 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Tolbert had seven assists.
“Jeffries came alive during the second half,” Owens said. “He played more aggressively. I’m sure he’s tired after playing 38 minutes, but we needed him out there. Josh Proche came off the bench and played well. Kinghorn played well.”
WTC will host New Mexico Junior College Monday. The Westerners will play Howard College at home Feb. 9.
“We have a lot of season left,” Owens said. “We are getting better and need to be ready for the second half of the season. We play three of the next four games at home and need to protect the home court. I told the players not to think basketball for a couple of days and come back ready for practice.”
South Plains College 41 46 16—103
WTC 42 45 10—97
South Plains College scorers — Jordan Brangers 35, Roberto Gallinat 22, Jablil Tripp 13, Josh Webster 11, Shawntrez Davis 9, Justice Green 6, Greg Shead 3, Montell McRae 2, Grantham Gillard 2.
WTC scorers — Jordan Evans 23, DaQuan Jeffries 16, Kevin Hicks 13, Anton Bilous 12, Kolbe Kinghorn 10, Jordan Tolbert 9, Josh Proche 8, Christian Bennings 6.
WTC statistics — DaQuan Jeffries 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block; Kevin Hicks 1 rebound, 1 steal; Jordan Tolbert 4 rebounds, 7 assists; Brian Roberts 1 steal; Anton Bilous 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block; Josh Proche 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block; Jordan Evans 1 rebound, 3 assists; Jordan Fullerton 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Ja’Niro Lane 2 rebound, 1 assist; Christian Bennings 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block; Demarcus Hatfield 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal; Kolbe Kinghorn 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.