Clarksdale, MS- February 12, 2024

In a fiercely contested MACCC conference basketball game at Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Coahoma Community College Tigers faced off against the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs in a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

From the opening tip-off, both teams showcased their offensive prowess, trading buckets in a neck-and-neck start. Jaden Slaughter and Dontae Prescott made crucial plays for CCC to start the game. The MGCC Bulldogs would take an early 10-8 lead. However, Arthur Tate ignited a spark for the Tigers with a timely three-pointer, initiating a run that saw Coahoma take a 13-12 lead with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.

Throughout the game, the resilient defenses of both teams kept the score seesawing, creating an atmosphere of intensity on the court. Jaden Slaughter's tenacity, especially in converting tough layups, became a highlight for the Tigers, propelling them to a 25-21 lead with 10 minutes left in the first half.

Greg Neely III's impactful minutes off the bench and Arthur Tate's back-to-back three-pointers further bolstered the Tigers' momentum, particularly from long range. As the first half concluded, Coahoma held a 45-42 lead, with Slaughter and Tate forming a dynamic duo that kept MGCCC on their toes.

The second half saw JaQai Murray making an immediate impact, extending the Tigers' lead to 49-42 with the first four points. Murray continued to shine, contributing 10 of the team's first 12 points in the second half. With 13 minutes to go, Coahoma reached its largest lead of the night at 62-48, showcasing Murray's determination and skill.

However, the Bulldogs mounted a comeback, capitalizing on turnovers by the Tigers to narrow the gap to a tense 64-62 with 10 minutes remaining. The Bulldogs maintained their momentum, eventually taking a 75-71 lead that seemed unassailable.

Yet, the Tigers, led by Dontae Prescott, refused to let the game slip away. Cutting the deficit to 80-82 with just 43 seconds on the clock, Coahoma fought valiantly. JaQai Murray's clutch layup at the end of regulation forced the game into overtime, setting the stage for an extended battle. Jaqai Murray would continue to build upon his big night.

In the overtime period, the Bulldogs seized control early and never relinquished their lead, securing the victory 99-96. The Tiger's look to bounce back Thursday night in Senatobia, MS against the Northwest Mississippi Rangers. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 PM. 

STATS
Jaqai Murray 35, Jaden Slaughter 24, Arthur Tate III 17, Greg Neely III 6, Dontae Prescott 4, RiCarvis Waters 4, Korea McKay II 2, De'Jour Belin 2, Jonathan Noudjihidi 2.