Lamar State defeats No. 9 Trinity Valley to advance to Region XIV semi-finals

[LamarStatesports]

The Lamar State College-Port Arthur men's basketball team put on an impressive display of talent and teamwork in Saturday's quarterfinal round of the Region XIV Tournament, as the Seahawks defeated Trinity Valley Community College, 72-56, to oust the No. 9 junior college team in the nation from the tournament.

Lamar State led 36-3 at halftime after totally dominated the first period, hitting 19-of-30 from the field for 63 percent, while the Cardinals managed only 9-of-29 for 31 percent.

The Seahawks never led Trinity Valley back in the game, leading by as many as 22 points with 11 minutes remaining and closing out the contest with ball control and aggressive defense.

The win was especially sweet for five of the seven Lamar State sophomores, who remember losing to Trinity Valley in last year's quarterfinal.

Sophomore guard Vonn Jones led the Seahawks with 18 points. Dion Waiters hit for 16 points, Roman Vaughn had 15 and Darrion Booker added 10.

Aaron Gilstrap led Trinity Valley with 17 points.

The win was the sixth in a row for Lamar State, which staged its greatest comeback victory in school history Thursday, coming back form a 20-point deficit in the final minutes to beat Kilgore College, 64-58 in overtime.

Lamar State (23-9) advances to the semi-finals at 8 p.m. Sunday, against Jacksonville College (24-7).

The Seahawks and the Jaguars split their regular season meetings, with Lamar State losing at home, 81-74, early in the season and then winning 77-59 at Jacksonville on Feb. 19.

[Bobcat1]

Congrats!!!

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

keep it going Seahawks!