The Temple College Leopards men's basketball team hosted McLennan Community College in a late Saturday afternoon matchup at Kirby Johnson Court.

Following a slow start, MCC turned up the pressure at both ends of the court and Temple was unable to keep as they dropped the decision to the Highlanders, 82-59.

Temple (15-8 overall, 4-3 NTJCAC) led 4-1 within the game's first three minutes before MCC (19-3 overall, 6-0 NTJCAC) answered with an 8-0 run to take a 9-4 lead.

The Leopards 6-2 stretch toward the middle part of the first half pulled TC to within one point.

The Highlanders' 28-19 finished the first half gave them a 37-29 advantage going into the second half.

MCC opened the second half at a 19-10 pace over 8:19 to take a 56-39 advantage into the final stretch.

The Highlanders shot 12-of-17 from the free-throw line and connected on four three-point attempts.

Rontavious Blackshear led all scorers with 22 points, 19 in the second half. Evan Chatman and Frederick Rogers, III, each scored 21.

The Leopards converted 15-of-23 free throws and scored five three-pointers.

Camren Roper led TC with 13 points, and Jaymes Brown-Peterson scored ten points off the bench.

The Leopards host Ranger College next Saturday at Kirby Johnson Court at 4 pm.