FULTON- The Coahoma Lady Tigers had reached their best performance of the season and were looking to produce similar results against the best team in the MACJC North division. The Itawamba Lady Indians were riding high on a six-game winning streak and tried maintaining first place in the division. Both teams engaged in an all-out battle that went down to the wire. Itawamba came up big on defense and made critical free throws for a 60-56 victory on Tuesday night.

Itawamba led 57-48 with 4:12 remaining in the game. Coahoma went on an 8-1 run. Mary Wilkins and Amaria Strong scored consecutive layups to cut the lead to 57-56 with just 32 seconds left. The Lady Tigers had a chance to tie or lead, but Wilkins committed an offensive foul with 8.4 seconds remaining. Itawamba made three of 4 free throws to secure the victory.

The Lady Indians had a good start with consecutive three-pointers by Whitney Watkins. They took an early 11-4 lead.

The Lady Tigers fought back with a 9-0 run. Jurnee McLaurin scored a driving layup and made a free throw for a 3-point play. Coahoma took a 13-11 lead.

Itawamba answered with a 7-0 run. Tabreea Gandy knocked down a jumper. The Lady Indians heightened the lead 20-16.

The Lady Indians started the second quarter on an 8-0. Shimia Williams shot a driving layup to extend the lead to 28-16.

Brailyn Tate scored a tough layup in the paint, cutting the lead to 28-22. Itawamba answered with a driving layup by Tatyana Norment. The Lady Indians led 32-22 at the half.

Itawamba tallied their first five points in the second half. Gandy scored a driving layup to give the Lady Indians their biggest lead of the game 37-22.

Itawamba (12-2, 4-0 MACJC North) had four players to conclude the matchup in double figures. Gandy led the Lady Indians with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Watkins finished with 12 points. Xhiir Burgess pocketed 10 points and seven rebounds. Kealy Wilson scored 10 points.

Three of the Lady Tigers rose to double figures. McLaurin led the Lady Tigers with 14 points. Tate completed the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Ayani Cockrell earned 10 points and six rebounds.

"I'm proud of the way these girls represented Coahoma Community College. I'm glad we can showcase the growth of the program," said Coahoma Head Coach Stephanie Murphy. "If we play with this kind of effort, I'm confident against anybody we play. I want to continue to grow as a coach on this level. I also want my team to continue to grow, and we're going to see where this takes us."

Coahoma goes to 7-8 (1-4 MACJC North) on the season. The Lady Tigers are set to battle crosstown rival Mississippi Delta in an MACJC North matchup. The game scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at the Pinnacle will have a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. It will broadcast live at www.coahomasports.com/watch as well as on the College's radio station WCQC 91.3 FM.