CLARKSDALE- The Coahoma Mighty Tigers had an opportunity to take down one of the top teams in the MACJC North, ending a four-game homestand on a winning note. East Mississippi Community College rolled into Clarksdale on a three-game winning streak. Both sides battled each other to the end. The Lions made clutch plays late in the second half to hold on in a 56-47 victory on Thursday night at The Pinnacle.

Coahoma got things going with a slam dunk by Jordan O'Neal, leading the Tigers to take an early 5-4 lead.

East Mississippi came back with a three-pointer by Traemond Pittman. The Lions took the lead 9-5.

Donte Powers stepped up for the Lions with a three-pointer extending the lead to 14-8.

O'Neal and Troy Johnson scored consecutive baskets cutting the lead to 16-12.

Cortez McCarty stepped up with back to back layups cutting the lead to 20-18.

The Lions answered with three-pointers by Arecko Gibson and Danny Washington. East Mississippi took a 29-24 lead at the half.

Washington got the Lions going in the 2nd half with a three-pointer extending the lead to 35-24.

The Tigers came back with a three-pointer by Cavin Paige. They cut the lead to 35-31.

Jakaorie Smith answered with a three-pointer for the Lions. East Mississippi extended the lead to 40-33.

East Mississippi led throughout the game. Coahoma made one more run to make things interesting. Tyler Berryhill and Kendall Richardson scored a pair of layups cutting the Lions' lead to 52-47 with 52 seconds remaining.

East Mississippi made 5 of 6 free throws putting the game out of reach.

East Mississippi (15-5, 8-1 MACJC North) had three players that scored in double figures.

Gibson led the Lions with 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Smith finished with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Washington scored 10 points and two steals.

Coahoma had two players that scored in double figures.

McCarty led the Tigers with 16 points and nine rebounds. Paige finished with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Harris scored nine points. Cornelius Holly scored 7 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Coahoma goes to 7-12, 2-7 MACJC North on the season.

The Mighty Tigers will battle Holmes Community College in an MACJC North matchup. The game is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, in Goodman, Mississippi. The tipoff will start at 7:30 p.m. The game will broadcast live at www.coahomasports.com/watch as well as on the College's radio station WCQC 91.3 FM.