CLARKSDALE- Coahoma's Mighty Tigers remained steadfast and ended the week with a bang on Saturday night when Dequan Morris knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Coahoma the ultimate win with a 69-67 victory against East Central.
East Central had their biggest lead of 60-52 with 7:38 remaining. The Tigers went on an 11-2 run. Cornelius Holly scored five straight points, including a three-pointer, driving the lead to 63-62 for Coahoma with 3:43 remaining. Both teams went back and forth with the lead. Nick Preyer made three out of four free throws to give East Central a 67-66 lead.
Alfonzo Green missed his opportunity to make a three-pointer with 28 seconds left, which would have given Coahoma the lead. East Central tried to score on a press break, but Zack Tucker's layup attempt was blocked by Morris. This gave the Tigers a chance at a final shot with seven seconds remaining.
East Central took an early 10-8 lead on a jumper by Roti Ware. Robert Boyd scored a layup to tie the score at 10-10. Devin Carter knocked down a three-pointer that put the Warriors in the lead with 13-10. Boyd answered with a three-pointer, tying the game at 13-13.
Both teams were neck and neck in the 1st half. Holly scored a layup to close the 1st half. Coahoma ended up in the lead with 33-32 at the half.
East Central had two players to score in double figures. Ware led the Warriors with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Preyer finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Three of Coahoma's Mighty Tigers scored in double figures. Boyd led the Tigers with 21 points. Morris finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Holly contributed 16 points, two rebounds, and four assists.
"This was a very hard-fought game. These kids got the will to fight and the will to win," said Coahoma Head Coach Micheal Stringer. "Nobody gave me anything and I worked for everything I have. Thank God for putting this team in this position to get this victory."
Coahoma bounced back from losing to Arkansas Baptist 75-66 earlier in the week. The Tigers had a great start with an early 23-11 lead. Arkansas Baptist continued chipping the lead throughout the 1st half. Coahoma led with 39-32 at the half.
Morris and Denori Berry took charge scoring in the paint and extended the lead to 45-35. Arkansas Baptist went on an 11-0 run that changed the momentum of the game. Jeremiah Price ended up scoring five straight points that gave the Buffaloes a 51-47 lead.
Boyd consecutively scored layups, giving Coahoma a 54-52 lead. Price stepped up again scoring seven straight points to give Arkansas Baptist a commanding 59-54 lead.
Arkansas Baptist had four players to score in double figures. Tevin Farris led the Buffaloes with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Price finished with 16 points and four rebounds. Tyler Cupid scored 12 points. Devonta Harkless had 10 points, two assists, two steals.
Four of Coahoma's players scored mightily in double figures. Morris led the Tigers with 16 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Boyd finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Holly scored 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Denori Berry ended up with 10 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Coahoma goes to 4-6 on the season. The Tigers will be on Holiday Break until Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. They will battle Northwest Mississippi in an MACJC North Division game at the Pinnacle. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Viewers can catch the game online live at www.coahomasports.com/watch and on Coahoma's radio station, WCQC 91.3 FM.
