Blackmon's Late Shot Rallies Saluqis Past Arkansas Baptist, Lady Saluqis Lose to Arkansas Baptist

Brian Blackmon scored his only points of the game on a layup with 3.5 seconds remaining to give the Southwest men's basketball team an 85-83 victory over Arkansas Baptist on January 26 at the Verties Sails Gymnasium. Blackmon also dished out five assists and led the team with three steals. The win improved the Saluqis' overall record to 11-7. Reginald Porter scored a season-high 19 points on 9 of 14 shooting and was also the top rebounder with eight.

The Lady Saluqis lost to Arkansas Baptist 68-60, dropping its overall record to 11-7. Kiana James was the lone Southwest player in double figures with 11 points. Mariame Sylla was the leading rebounder with 14.

The Southwest basketball teams will play two conference games on the road this week – at Columbia State on February 3 and at Jackson State on February 6.

Southwest Basketball Teams Split Conference Games

Both Southwest basketball teams split two conference games over the weekend at the Verties Sails Gymnasium. The Saluqis' record now stands at 9-7 overall and 5-6 in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) while the Lady Saluqis are now 11-6 overall and 6-5 in the TCCAA.

After losing 66-51 to Walters State on January 22, the Lady Saluqis came back to defeat Roane State 86-80 on January 23. Georgette McCullar scored a season-high 18 points (including five three-point field goals) in the win over Roane State. Krystal Riley added 17 points while making four three-pointers of her own. Kiana James led the Lady Saluqis against Walters State with game highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds.

On the men's side, Brian Blackmon scored a season-high 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack in the Saluqis' 87-78 win over Walters State. Nine players scored for the Southwest men including eight who tallied at least eight points. Reginald Porter was the top rebounder with nine. Blackmon was also the leading scorer in the Saluqis' 78-69 loss to Roane State.