CLARKSDALE- Coahoma was desperate to get a big MACJC North Division victory against Itawamba. Head Coach Micheal Stringer wanted his team to get back on course after a very tough stretch. Itawamba Community College has been struggling in the division with the youngest team in the MACJC Conference. They flipped the script by making big plays and critical free throws in a 76-72 victory at the Pinnacle.
Coahoma took a 3-2 lead on a three-pointer by Kendall Richardson. Itawamba came back and took a 7-3 lead on a layup by Shamar Brown. Dequan Morris stepped up with a tip-in layup cutting the lead to 7-5. The Indians answered with a three-pointer made by Brown, which extended the lead to 11-7.
Itawamba (7-8, 1-3 MACJC North) took charge in the first half with a 14-2 run that drove them to a 26-12 lead. Ma'Darius Hobson scored eight straight points during the run. The Tigers bounced back with consecutive layups by Morris and Tiras Bolden, cutting the lead to 29-18. The Indians answered with consecutive layups by Hobson who was able to score 16 points and five rebounds in the first half. Itawamba had a field day shooting 53.6 percent in the first half. They took a 39-31 lead at the half.
Coahoma started the second half on fire with a 10-0 run. Richardson knocked down consecutive three-pointers. Then Morris scored a jumper giving Coahoma the lead 41-39. Itawamba answered with consecutive baskets by Akeem Kirkwood and Travonta Doolittle. They took the lead to 43-41. Morris answered for Coahoma with dunk tying the game at 43-43.
Itawamba took charge 53-46 when Brown scored consecutive baskets. The Tigers made one more push when Richardson, Cornelius Holly, and Terry Williams scored critical baskets cutting the lead to 72-67 with 35 seconds remaining. The Indians made four of six free throws to put the game away.
Four ICC players scored in double figures. Hobson led the Indians with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Doolittle finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Brown finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Kirkwood contributed 10 points and four rebounds.
Coahoma had three players to score in double figures. Richardson led the Tigers with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists. Morris finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Williams finished with 10 points.
Coahoma goes to 5-10 on the season, 1-4 on the MACJC North Division challenge. The Tigers recently played their final non-conference game of the season against Southern Arkansas University Tech on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Stream the games live online at www.coahomasports.com/watch and by tuning in to Coahoma's radio station WCQC broadcasted on 91.3 FM.
