Blue Lights used an inside-out attack to break open a game tied at the half to put away Community Christian 88-69 Tuesday night and open the Mario Pharr era with a win.
Jorge Garcia lit it up for a game-high 32 points, many from outside. That opened the middle for big man Mike Maxwell, who added 19 points.
The Thoroughbreds (5-5) had not played since November 18, so it was not unexpected that they might be a little rusty. They led by six with less than 20 seconds to play in the first half before giving up two quick treys just before intermission to tie the game at 44-44. But the second half belonged to Blue Lights.
"Great win tonight," said Pharr, who took over as head coach in December. "Took us a little time to settle down and build chemistry. By the second half, we were able to adjust and buy into the game plan and execute."
Camry Barbour let the Black Knights (5-3) with 16 points, all in the first half.
BLC travels to Hampton, Virginia on Saturday to take on Thomas Nelson Community College.
HERD PULLS AWAY FOR HOME WIN IN PHARR COACHING DEBUT
