BOSSIER CITY – The Bossier Parish Community College Cavaliers return home this week battle-tested after facing two nationally ranked opponents on the road, showing they can compete with some of the top programs in the country. BPCC opened the road stretch with a strong performance against No. 12-ranked Kilgore College, falling 74-66 in a physical conference matchup. The Cavaliers matched the Rangers’ intensity throughout and stayed within striking distance against one of the nation’s top teams. Tony Montgomery led BPCC with 22 points and four assists. Mazin Lumori added 13 points and five rebounds, while Stafford Bailey contributed 10 points and five rebounds in a balanced effort.
Head Coach Jeff Moore said the game reflected the growth of his freshman-heavy roster.
“We played very well against a really good Kilgore team on the road,” Moore said. “There are no moral victories, but I’m extremely proud of the fight in our team. We are playing better as a team. This freshman-loaded group has come a long way. Our goal will always be to be playing our best basketball in March. All heads are up — we played like I want a Jeff Moore-coached team to play.”
The Cavaliers carried that same edge into a showdown with defending national champion Trinity Valley Community College, currently ranked eighth in the nation. BPCC battled to a 35-35 tie at halftime and well into the second half before Trinity Valley capitalized down the stretch to secure a 75-64 victory. Drew Cooper paced the Cavaliers with 22 points, including four three-pointers, and five rebounds. Montgomery added 16 points and five assists, while Zequan Lewis controlled the glass with nine rebounds to go along with eight points.
“We went toe-to-toe for 35 minutes against the defending champs,” Moore said. “Hats off to a well-coached TVCC team that made the plays they had to at the end of the game to pull out the victory. Our team continues to make strides.”
BPCC now shifts its focus to a key home matchup Wednesday night against Paris Junior College, a team the Cavaliers defeated 78-72 in their conference road opener in early December, as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. With just three home games remaining — Feb. 18, Feb. 25 and Feb. 28, which is Sophomore Day — the Cavaliers have a prime opportunity to finish strong in front of their home crowd.
Visit www.bpcc.edu/athletics for game schedules, tickets, and updates all season long.