Addison beats buzzer to lift Blinn to comeback win over NMMI

HOBBS, N.M. — Freshman wing Jamel Addison made the most of his first start of the season Friday night, driving the length of the court before sinking a buzzer-beating floater to lift Blinn College men’s basketball to a dramatic 72-70 victory over New Mexico Military Institute at the New Mexico Junior College Tournament.

The Details

Blinn improved to 2-3 overall with the victory, completing its first comeback win of the season after previously showing an ability to battle back from double-digit deficits.

“Our guys were very excited,” Blinn head coach Scott Schumacher said. “We’ve shown an ability to fight back when we’re down big. This is the first time we’ve been able to complete a comeback and get the win.”

The Buccaneers trailed 38-34 at halftime and fell behind by as many as 16 points in the second half before mounting a furious rally. NMMI held a 70-67 advantage in the final minute.

Sophomore point guard Tyson Tucker came through with a clutch 3-pointer with 35 seconds remaining to tie the game at 70-70.

The Broncos had an opportunity to take the lead on their ensuing possession, but a missed jumper as the shot clock expired gave Blinn the ball. With six seconds remaining, freshman wing Monte Farmer secured the defensive rebound and quickly fired an outlet pass to Addison.

Addison took off down the court, drove into the paint, and released a floating jumper just before the final buzzer. The shot found its mark, capping the rally and sending the Buccaneers into celebration.

Addison led Blinn with 20 points and nine rebounds. Tucker finished with 13 points, including four 3-pointers, and nine assists. Sophomore wing Kendarius Johnson added 12 points and three steals, while Farmer contributed eight points and nine rebounds. Freshman forward D’Nharayane Vital scored eight points on 4-of-4 shooting, and freshman forward Ognjen Bodrozic chipped in seven points.

“We’re starting to figure things out,” Schumacher added. “That was a good win for us and I’m proud of our guys.”

The Bucs will conclude the New Mexico Junior College Tournament against No. 13 New Mexico Junior College at 4 p.m. Saturday.