TJC Edges Rival Kilgore in Thrilling 64-62 Victory

KILGORE, TX — Tyler Junior College (TJC) returned to the win column Wednesday, securing a hard-fought 64-62 victory over rival Kilgore College in a Region XIV basketball showdown at Masters Gymnasium.

The win pushes the Apaches' record to 11-5 overall and 5-3 in Region XIV play, while the Rangers drop to 9-7 and 3-5 in conference action.

Josiah Hill led the way for TJC with a double-double performance, contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds. Fellow Apache players Luis Gil (14 points), Joey Brown (13 points), and Caden Bell (12 points) also finished in double figures.

From the free-throw line, TJC was 10 of 17, and from beyond the arc, the Apaches shot 4 of 13.

Woodberry made one 3-pointer, but the Rangers struggled from deep, finishing just 4 of 26 from beyond the arc. Kilgore was 10 of 15 from the free-throw line.

The game was a back-and-forth affair in the second half, with the score tied at 35, 37, 42, 46, 48, and 49. TJC began to gain control when Gil hit a baseline jumper at the 4:13 mark, putting the Apaches ahead 57-51.

Despite trailing 62-57 with 1:12 remaining following a pair of free throws from Bell, the Rangers mounted a late comeback. Olajuwon's free throws and a clutch 3-pointer from Myers tied the game at 62 with just seconds left.

In the final moments, Brown made a layup and drew a foul, hitting the basket to give the Apaches a 64-62 lead. Although Brown missed the second free throw, the Apaches held the advantage with 5.5 seconds remaining. Kilgore had one final possession but Olajuwon's contested shot at the buzzer missed, sealing the win for TJC.

TJC will return to action on Saturday, traveling to Baytown for a 4 PM game against Lee College. The Apaches' next home game will be Wednesday, Jan. 22, when they host Panola in a double header with the women's team.

The two teams will meet again on March 5 in Tyler.