Second-Half Surge Navigates Apaches Past Lee, 80–71

TYLER, Texas – Chris Uwayo Jr. scored 23 points and the Tyler Junior College Men's Basketball team pulled away in the second half for an 80–71 win over Lee College on Saturday afternoon at Wagstaff Gymnasium.

The Apaches improved to 11-6 on the year, and 5-4 in conference play. The Navigators fell to 11-6 on the year, and 6-3 in conference play.

Lee College led 36–32 at halftime, but the Apaches outscored the Navigators 48–35 after the break behind efficient shooting and timely perimeter scoring. TJC finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field and went 12 of 26 from behind the arch.

"I thought we had guys make some big shots down the stretch. Sabree [Scott], and Ryan [Mpouli] hit some huge ones, along with Yamari [Allette]," Said Assistant Coach Mitch Marquis.

Uwayo Jr. went 7 of 10 from the floor and a perfect 7 of 7 at the free-throw line to lead all scorers. Caden Bell added 16 points, and Ryan Mpouli scored 11 points off the bench, hitting all four of his shots, including three 3-pointers.

Sabree Scott chipped in eight points for TJC, while Josiah Hill added seven points and a team-high nine rebounds. The Apaches totaled 13 assists and committed just eight turnovers.

Next up, TJC will have a quick turnaround as they head east to Carthage, Texas to take on Panola College on Monday, January 19. Tip-off is set for 6:00PM.

"We've overcome adversity all year, and I've told the team that now it's become our friend. We just look at this as another opportunity to overcome adversity."