SCOOBA– Coahoma Community College missed their opportunity to get the team's first victory in the MACJC North division. The Mighty Tigers fought hard to the end against East Mississippi Community College. The Lions scored the last seven points to capture the win in an 83-79 victory Thursday night at EMCC's Keyes T. Currie Coliseum.
The Mighty Tigers came up big when Daquon Morris scored a tap-in layup; seizing Coahoma a 79-76 lead with 1:39 remaining in the game.
CCC maintained possession with a minute to go. Dewayne Cox sparked a big comeback for East Mississippi with a steal and driving layup cutting the lead to 79-78. Ill'yan Scott scored a layup to give the Lions an 80-79 lead with 31 seconds remaining.
Coahoma had a chance at the lead, but Darrious Agnew picked off a pass by Quintarius Boatman. Morris was called for an intentional foul giving East Mississippi two free throws and possession.
The game was very intense all night. Both teams fought through nine ties and 17 lead changes with 11 of which happening during a back-and-forth first half. Malik Bailey was lighting it up with 17 points in the first half. He beat the shot clock with a backboard three-pointer giving Coahoma a 35-34 lead.
EMCC's Cox knocked down a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half; resulting in the Lions gaining a 45-40 lead at the half.
East Mississippi (8-5, 1-1 MACJC North) had a hot start to the second half. Agnew scored a layup and three-point play. That sparked a 14-0 run giving the Lions their biggest lead 62-50 with 14:25 remaining in the game.
Coahoma answered with a 15-2 run. Bailey scored five straight points, and Boatman knocked down two big free throws to tie the game 69-69 with 7:34 remaining.
Three players scored in double figures for East Mississippi. Cox led the Lions with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Agnew scored 16 points and seven rebounds. Terryonte Thomas had 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Coahoma had three players scored in double figures. Bailey led the Tigers with 28 points, including five 3 pointers. Boatman scored 24 points including 17 in the second half. Morris scored 13 points.
Coahoma goes to (2-10, 0-2 MACJC North) on the season. They will continue MACJC Northern Division action against Itawamba Community College. The game is set for 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 in Fulton, MS.
It will be part of a doubleheader that's preceded by Coahoma vs. Itawamba women's game at 6:00 p.m.
The game will broadcast live at www.coahomasports.com/watch. Pregame will be at 5:45pm.
