WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – The No. 15 Parkland men's basketball team won its first game against a ranked opponent on Saturday, defeating No. 19 Arkansas State Mid-South by a score of 79-74. Now 2-0 on the season, the Cobras victory was led by Yaakema Rose Jr. (19 points, five rebounds), Bruno Williams Jr. (17 points), Mark Emmanuel Jr. (15 points, 9 rebounds) and Ty'Ohn Trimble (10 points, six rebounds).
 
After a back-and-forth opening five minutes, Parkland found themselves behind the host Greyhounds. Trailing by as much as nine points, 24-15 with 10 minutes left in the first half, the Cobras were unable to extend any scoring runs due to fouls and missed opportunities at the free throw line. Making 16 free throws in the opening half, Arkansas State Mid-South led by seven going into the locker room. Rose Jr. led the Cobras in the opening 20 minutes with 10 points.
 
Unable to cut the lead under five points in the first half of the second period, the Cobras finally made their run in the closing eight minutes. Sparked by improved shooting from distance and the charity stripe, the Cobras took their first lead of the game, 67-66, with six minutes remaining. Shooting 5-7 from three and 6-7 from the free throw line, the Cobras never relinquished the lead, holding on for the five-point road victory.
 
Crucial to the second half charge was a big performance from Bruno Williams Jr and points off the bench from Emmanuel and Reid. Williams Jr. tallied 17 overall points on 6-7 shooting, while converting five of seven free throw attempts. Off the bench, Coach Figueroa received 15 points and nine boards from sophomore forward Mark Emmanuel, while freshman TyJuan Reid added in eight points and four rebounds.
 
Up next, the Cobras continue their road swing to start the 2018-19 season with a game at Lansing (MI) next Saturday, November 10, at 2 p.m. central time.