CLARKSDALE- Coahoma unintentionally missed the chance to remain unbeaten in the MACJC North against crosstown rival Northwest Mississippi Community College. Both teams left everything they had on the court up until the end. Coahoma had a one-point lead with 15 seconds left in the game. Northwest's Jitaurious Gordon was fouled and made two free throws, including the game-winner. The Mighty Tigers were presented the opportunity to champion the matchup but Denori Berry missed a three-pointer and Tiras Bolden missed a putback at the buzzer giving Northwest an 82-81 victory.
Coahoma took control in the second half when Terry Williams scored eight straight points. They built a 76-67 lead with 6:13 remaining. Northwest outscored Coahoma 15-6 in the last 6:13. Gordon scored 9 of the Rangers' last 15 points.
Dequan Morris set the tone with a high-rising dunk. The Tigers took an early 17-12 lead. Northwest came back by scoring six straight points. Mike Robinson scored a layup to give Northwest the lead 18-17.
Terry Williams gave Coahoma a big spark with a three-pointer. Coahoma took a 26-22 lead. The Rangers bounced back with a 10-0 run. Quieran Gray scored a layup to give Northwest a 32-26 lead.
Coahoma got a huge break before the end of the 1st half when Morris shot a three-pointer and was fouled at the buzzer. He made two of three free throws to give the Tigers a 43-42 lead at the half.
Morris and Robert Boyd started the 2nd half with a pair of dunks giving Coahoma a 48-47 lead. Northwest took a 54-50 lead on a three-pointer by Alec Rayburn.
Coahoma went on a 12-2 run to take a 76-67 lead with 6:13 remaining. Williams scored 10 points on that run including 2 three-pointers.
Three NWCC players ended up scoring in double figures. Gordon led the Rangers with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals. Devon Benson contributed 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Rayburn finished with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Four of Coahoma's players scored in double figures. Morris led the Tigers with 21 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Cornelius Holly scored 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Williams finished with 15 points. Boyd pitched in 12 points and 11 rebounds.
"We've got to learn how to handle the pressure. We executed down the stretch but we turned the ball over," said Coahoma Head Coach Micheal Stringer. "There are no excuses and we've got to make it happen. We play with anybody in the MACJC but we have to finish the game."
