Lady Lions complete regular-season sweep over ICC with 56-52 road win

FULTON -- The EMCC Lady Lions completed their regular-season sweep of Itawamba by claiming a 56-52 road victory over the Lady Indians during Thursday's MACCC women's basketball action played at the Davis Event Center.

After previously posting a narrow 59-56 home win over ICC back on Nov. 11, the Lady Lions established early control of the rematch with an efficient offense and effective press defense throughout the opening half. A pair of Jenessa Souza three-pointers helped give the visitors a 17-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Kyunna Thomas' eight second-quarter points then highlighted a 16-4 EMCC advantage during the second 10 minutes of action that increased the Lady Lions' margin to 33-12 by halftime.

Following intermission, the Lady Indians began their spirited comeback attempt by outscoring EMCC, 17-15, during the third quarter. With EMCC still comfortably leading, 48-29, after three quarters, the Demetria Shephard-led ICC squad opened the final period on a 17-2 run to cut the deficit to 50-46 by the 2:23 mark.

During a key moment in the contest, Thomas made up for a missed layup attempt on the offensive end by getting back to block a shot and grab the defensive rebound to maintain EMCC's possession. Siarra Jackson converted the opportunity into two made free throws to put the Lady Lions in front, 52-46, with 1:23 left in regulation.

Down the stretch after climbing back from a 22-point deficit, Itawamba managed to make it a one-possession game (55-52) on R'Daztiny Harris' put-back basket with 7.9 seconds remaining. EMCC's Souza then calmly sank 1-of-2 free throws a second later to make it a four-point contest. 

For head coach Sharon Thompson's EMCC Lady Lions, 10-10 overall and 7-5 in MACCC play, Thomas led the way with her ninth double-double of the season by netting a dozen points and grabbing 11 rebounds. DJ Williams followed with 10 points for the winners.

Dropping to 12-8 overall and 7-5 within the conference, ICC's Lady Indians were led by Demetria Shephard's game-high 21 points, including 19 coming after the halftime break. Harris added 14 points for Itawamba.

Entering the final week of regular-season MACCC competition, the East Mississippi basketball teams will meet Meridian on Monday (Feb. 14). With the EMCC women playing host to the Lady Eagles in Scooba and the Lions traveling to Meridian for men's action, both contests are scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m.