CLARKSDALE - The Lady Tigers used a huge game from Eugenia Gilliam and a stifling defense to upset the MACJC North's #1 team, East Mississippi, Monday in The Pinnacle. Gilliam equaled her season-high by pouring in 33 points to help CCC to its biggest win of the season.

The game started well for the visitors. The Lady Lions of East, who entered the game with a sparkling 13-4 record (7-1 in divisional play), scored the game's first 15 points and appeared poised to run away with it. Behind 17 first half points from Gilliam though, the Lady Tigers battled back and, after Gilliam nailed a floater through the lane at the buzzer, the home team took a 36-35 lead into the locker room.

In the second, it was all about defense for CCC. They once again held East to just 35 points in the half and to 70 for the game. The stifling defensive effort marked an impressive turnaround for the Lady Tiger squad: less than a month ago in Scooba, the squad surrendered 102 to the Lady Lions. But with strong interior defense by Melvinisha Jenkins and Carnita Hammond, the Lady Tigers were able to limit East and notch the victory.

Jenkins proved to be a key contributor in the 2nd half, finishing the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Tomaja Shaw added 9 points and Destiny Monix scored 8 while passing out 7 assists. East was led by Quantesha Patterson, who scored 24. 

Gilliam's double-double (33 points, 11 rebounds) was her 9th in the last 10 games. 

CCC (4-16, 2-7) travels to Northwest on Thursday for a rematch with the Lady Rangers. Tip is scheduled for 5 pm. 

A live stream will be available on coahomasports.com.