Preview: Paris Dragons at Blinn Buccaneers

BRENHAM, Texas (Interstat) — Two men’s junior college basketball teams with identical momentum will meet Saturday when the Paris Dragons visit the Blinn Buccaneers.

Both squads enter the Dec. 6 contest fresh off narrow victories this past Wednesday. Paris (3-3) fell at home to Bossier Parish, 78-72, while Blinn (3-2) secured a 79-76 road win at Coastal Bend. The results extended current trends for each team; the Dragons have dropped two of their last three, and the Buccaneers have won two of their last three.

A key player to watch for the home team is Blinn guard Kendarius Johnson. He is coming off a standout performance in the team’s loss at Odessa on Nov. 22, where he logged 37 minutes and scored 23 points. Over his last three games, Johnson has averaged 11 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Paris has shown a pattern of tight contests, with four of its six games this season decided by five points or fewer. That includes a 79-78 home win over McLennan on Nov. 20 and a 73-65 victory against Grayson on Nov. 24. Their ability to execute in late-game situations will be tested against a Blinn defense looking to build on its recent success.

For Blinn, consistency will be the focus after a stretch of volatile results. Following a 100-88 road win on Nov. 20, the Buccaneers suffered consecutive losses by 22 points each before rebounding with the close win at Coastal Bend.

The matchup begins a crucial pre-conference stretch for both programs. Paris will host Tyler on Dec. 10, while Blinn travels to face Lamar State-Port Arthur the same day. Saturday’s game offers each team a chance to solidify its record before the holiday break.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday at the Blinn P.E. Building.