DECATUR- Tough encounters awaited Coahoma's Mighty Tigers at the East Central Shootout in Decatur, Mississippi. They had two of their biggest tests of the season against No. 20 Pearl River Community College and East Central Community College.
The Men's Basketball Team of Coahoma and the PRCC Wildcats played an outstanding game that went down to the wire. The Wildcats survived an outstanding performance from the Tigers in an 85-81 victory.
The Tigers started off strong and generated a lead of 37-24 with 4:26 left in the 1st half. Pearl River (7-0) fought back by outscoring Coahoma with 12-5 toward the end of the 1st half. Coahoma led the score with 42-36 at the half.
Pearl River took control of the 2nd half and built a 66-58 lead. Coahoma kept on fighting until the end. Kendal Richardson knocked down a three-pointer, cutting the lead to 80-79.
Dequan Morris scored a put-back layup that tied the game at 81-81.
Eric Thornton made two free throws to give the Wildcats an 83-81 lead. The Tigers lost their chance to tie the game again when Cornelius Holly missed a layup that went in and out.
Three players scored in double figures for Pearl River. Thornton led the Wildcats with 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jonas James scored 12 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Brandon Rachal had 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Four of the Mighty Tigers scored in double figures. Holly led the Tigers with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Morris scored 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Terry Williams came out with 13 points including 3 three-pointers. Denori Berry ended up with 10 points and four rebounds.
The Tigers faced another test against the undefeated East Central Community College Warriors who survived a furious comeback in a 75-67 victory.
East Central took advantage of a slow start by Coahoma. The Warriors achieved their biggest lead with 40-27 at the half.
Alfonzo Green gave Coahoma a big lift, scoring 16 points in the 2nd half. He knocked down two 3-pointers that cut the lead to 66-63 with 4:15 remaining.
East Central (6-0) made some big free throws to put the game away. Four Warriors scored in double figures. Nick Preyer led the Warriors with 23 players, three assists, and two rebounds. Roti Ware scored 16 points and seven rebounds. JaQuarius Smith scored 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Devin Carter had 10 points, two assists and two rebounds.
Two players from Coahoma scored in double figures. Holly led the Tigers with 24 points, five rebounds and three steals. Green finished with 20 points and two steals.
Coahoma will have their first MACJC North Division game of the 2018-19 season and a chance at redemption when East Central comes to the Pinnacle Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Coahoma's Mighty Tigers goes to 2-5 on the season. Viewers can catch the game online live at www.CoahomaSports.com/watch and on Coahoma's radio station WCQC 91.3 FM.
