Texan Mosaic

by STEVEN GEHEGAN//Sports Editor

The South Plains College men’s basketball team looks to continue their momentum as the post-season approaches.

While looking to keep their undefeated season, the No. 1-ranked Texans defeated Clarendon College 93 – 62 on Feb. 23 in the Texan Dome.

The Texans’ offense was working all night, and they were able to clamp down with defense to keep the Bulldogs from gaining any constant offense throughout the contest.

The Texans got going early in the game and were able to keep a healthy 44-35 lead over Clarendon College in the first half.

Early in the second half, Clarendon College was able to pull within three points of the Texans. After that, SPC got going and was able to produce another dominant half, outscored Clarendon 49 -25.

Sophomore guard Jordan Brangers led all scorers with 26 points, while being hot from the three-point line throughout the game. Sophomore guard Roberto Gallinat chipped in 15 points, while both sophomore forward Shawntrez Davis and freshman Greg Shead added 11 points each.

With a chance to claim the Western Junior College Athletic Conference Championship, the Texans took on Howard College in Big Spring on Feb 20. winning 71-51.

Both teams were struggling from the field in the first half, with both teams playing dominant defense.

At the start of the second half, the Texans were still able to keep up the suffocating defense while finding their offensive groove. They finished the second half by outscoring Howard College 71 – 51.

Gallinat led the Texans in scoring, finishing with 19 points, while Brangers and sophomore guard Josh Webster each contributed 11 points. Red-shirt freshman Raquan Mitchell added seven points, with freshman forward Jahlil Tripp chipping in six points.

The Texans were able to put on a dominant performance against New Mexico Military Institute at the Texan Dome on Feb. 16, winning 108 – 69.

NMMI was able to keep the game close in the first half. At one point, the Broncos were able to take a 12 – 11 lead. But it would be the last time the game would be close, as the Texans were able to start scoring and pulling away for a 54-34 halftime lead.

Mitchell opened the second half by scoring the first six points. The Texans were able to play their style of game, outscoring NMMI 54-35 in the second half.

Brangers led SPC in scoring with a career-high 38 points, knocking down 10 three-pointers. Coming off the bench, sophomore guard Grantham Gillard chipped in 17 points, while sophomore guard Justice Green added 12 points. Tripp sparked the Texans in rebounding with eight and added four points. Webster led the team in assists with six and contributed six points.

The Texans looked to add to their undefeated streak when they took on New Mexico Junior College on Feb. 13 at the Texan Dome. The Texans cruised to another victory, 104 – 78.

The Texans were able to use there dominating offense and defense to take a 17-point lead into half time.

In the second half, NMJC looked to contain Brangers after he had a dominant first half. While they slowed him down, other Texans were able to step up and keep their offense rolling, outscoring the Thunderbirds, 53-44.

Brangers led all Texans in scoring by dropping in 23 points. Sophomore forward Montell McRae added 15 points, while Webster chipped in 12 points. Coming of the bench, Gillard contributed 18 points, while Gallinat led the team in rebounding with six and added 15 points. Shead led the team in assists with five to go along with six points.

[Photos by DOMINICK PUENTE/ PLAINSMAN PRESS]