LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Connors blitzed Arkansas Baptist for eight points in less than a minute on the way to 14-point halftime lead as the Cowboys downed the Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes 83-67 in the season opener for both teams at Little Rock Hall High School’s gym Monday night.

The eight-point surge was part of a 15-1 run by the Cowboys, who come into the season ranked No. 12 in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll. Connors was also No. 10 in the Sporting News preseason rankings.

“It was a tough opening game on the road,” Connors coach Bill Muse said. “In the last three minutes of the first half, we really played well to take control. We continued that play and turned in an excellent effort in the second half.”

The two teams were tied at 39-39 when C.J. and Jeremy Washington (who are not related) along with Corey Wilford teamed up for the eight points. Wilford, coming off the bench, hit a pair of free throws and a basket, while the Washingtons each had a rebound and basket in 51 seconds to break the game open.

Arkansas Baptist’s Jared Williamson hit a free throw, but Connors closed out the half with seven straight points to lead 54-40 at intermission.

Four players scored in double figures for the Cowboys, led by Ray Jones’ 17. C.J. Washington had 14 points before leaving the game with 12 minutes left after getting hit in the nose with an elbow. The injury is not considered serious.

Connors dominated in rebounding, 50-33. C.J. Washington, a 6-foot-7 sophomore, had 13, including four on the offensive end. Jones had eight boards.

James Scott led the Buffaloes with 17 points. Corliss Williamson, the former University of Arkansas standout, coaches the Buffaloes.

Connors, the Region II champion and an NJCAA Final Four team last year, opens the home part of its schedule at 8 p.m. Wednesday against the Bacone junior varsity. The women begin their season at 6 p.m. against Bacone.



Bacone men canceled

Bacone was to play John Brown University tonight, but the game has been canceled because John Brown’s team has been hit by the H1N1 flu.

The two teams will play on Nov. 17 in Muskogee and at Siloam Springs, Ark., on Dec. 12.