The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles pulled out a thrilling win over Hinds Community College 78-76 Monday night. The back-and-forth game came to a thrilling finish as the Lady Eagles hit a 3-pointer as time expired to get the win. 

The Lady Eagles got off to a fast start in the first quarter behind the hot shooting of LaTonya Adams. a Clarkdale product. Adams was able to work her way into the paint on multiple occasions and score some easy baskets. The Lady Eagles were able to build a seven point 1st quarter lead but the visitors were able to cut it to 20-15 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Lady Bulldogs cut the lead to 24-23 but a big 3-pointer from Jordan Bell, a Choctaw Central product, helped the Lady Eagles build it back to a four point lead. The Lady Bulldogs would answer back and make it a 38-35 game headed into the half.

The Lady Eagles came out of the half on fire starting the third quarter with an 8-0 run. This built the lead up to 46-35 with 7:00 left in the period. The visitors were able to cut into the lead and make it a one-point game late in the frame. The Lady Eagles answered with five quick points and took a 59-54 lead into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was back and forth throughout its entirety. The Lady Eagles would trail for the first time of the night when the Lady Bulldogs took the lead 68-67 with 5:20 left. The Lady Eagles would fight throughout the rest of the game but were unable to regain the lead as time started to run out. The Lady Eagles were able to force a turnover with 4.7 seconds left and get one more chance trailing by one. Bell inbounded the ball to Mariah Collins who lost her balance but was able to roll the ball to Bell who heaved up a 3-pointer as time expired. The crowd inside Graham Gymnasium went wild as the shot fell through the net giving the Lady Eagles the win.

MCC was led on the night by  Choctaw Central product Sarah Allen’s 21 points. Collins added 16 points and 6 assists, and Bell scored 13 including the game winner.

With the win the Lady Eagles improve to 8-4 on the season. They will return to action Thursday, January 17 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30.

MCC men 71, Hinds 69

The Meridian Community College Eagles men’s basketball team defeated Hinds Community College 71-69. The Eagles fell behind early in the game and struggled to fight their way back into the game, but overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to pick up the big win.

The visitors from Hinds jumped out to an early 14-7 lead. The Eagles were able to cut into that deficit behind a couple of key 3-pointers from Keontae Trotter. The Bulldogs responded by getting a couple of baskets late in the half that gave them the 42-32 lead heading into halftime.

The second half started with the Bulldogs stretching their lead to 14. The Eagles were able to slowly cut into that deficit and make it a single digit game with 9:00 to go. The Eagles went on a run late in the game and with 3:32 left a Talvyn Dean layup gave the Eagles their first lead of the night 64-63. The subsequent free throw from Dean gave the Eagles a 65-63 lead. The Eagles and Bulldogs would go back and forth for the final three minutes. With the Eagles clinging to a three point lead Kylan Hamilton made an amazing defensive play to get the steal and force the turnover to seal the win for the Eagles. Alvarez Powell hit a couple of late free throws to put the game away for the Eagles.

Hamilton was the leading scorer on the night with 24 points. Iverson Smith and Brandon Mills both added 8 points for the Eagles.

With the win the Eagles improve to 6-5 on the season. They will return to action Thursday, January 17 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30.