OC Takes Care Of Business on Road Against Midland College
The No. 17 Wranglers knocked down five of six free throws and got a key dunk from Tyree Robinson in the final minute to escape with a 75-72 win against Midland College in Western Junior College Athletic Conference play on Thursday at the Chaparral Center.
Robinson's dunk off steal with 51 seconds left, followed by Jeremiah Livingston making five free throw attempts held off the Midland College comeback as the Chaparrals kept the game close with a pair of 3-pointers by Juan Cardenas and Roland Griffin.
Livingston's lone miss came with four seconds left, giving Midland College a chance to force overtime, but a desperation heave from Jachai Simmons crashed off the front of the rim.
"We still have a long way to go, but we found a way to win the game late," Odessa College head coach Tra Arnold said. "It's always tough to play here, and we knew their team would be up to play. In this league, I'll take a road win by one if we can get it."
After missing Monday's game with an ankle injury, Robinson bounced back to lead the Wranglers (17-3 overall, 6-1 WJCAC) with 19 points and nine rebounds in the win.
"It works enough to play and win," Robinson said of the ankle injury. "My team needed me and I had to go through the pain. It was worth it. We came out with a good win."
Robinson, who went down again early in the first half after injuring the same ankle before returning a few minutes later, has made his presence known for the Wranglers on both ends of the court and having him healthy for the stretch run will be important for Odessa College.
"He brings so much energy and effort for us," Arnold said of Robinson. "He got the big steal and dunk for us."
Neither team was able to build much of lead throughout the game. The Wranglers led by eight early in the first half after a 10-0 run, but Midland College fought back to tie the game at halftime at 29-29.
The game remained close for entire second half with Odessa College opening up a five-point lead on a few occasions before Midland College would recover to tie or take a small lead.
Marlon Hunter added 17 points in the win for the Wranglers, knocking down 7 of 13 from the field. Livingston chipped another 10 for Odessa College.
Simmons topped the Chaparrals' score sheet with 14 points off the bench. Jordan Jackson added another 13 for Midland (12-9, 3-4).
Midland College was able to keep the game close by forcing 23 Odessa College turnovers, leading to 29 points for the Chaparrals.
"It comes down to being mentally prepared. Some of the guys weren't themselves tonight and hadn't done what they've done in the past," Arnold said. "Credit them, but it's also on us. But any time you come on the road and get a win, we'll take it."
Article by Joshua Perry OA