Lady Lions’ valiant second-half comeback attempt falls short in 69-60 home loss to Jones

SCOOBA – Despite a valiant second-half comeback attempt, the Lady Lions of East Mississippi Community College dropped a 69-60 home decision to Jones College during Thursday's non-conference women's basketball action played at Keyes T. Currie Coliseum.

With only seven players available for game action in their home finale before the semester break, the Lady Lions trailed the visiting Bobcats by double figures (17-7) following the first quarter of play. The margin grew to 26 points (39-13) late in the opening half before EMCC scored the last four points heading into halftime.

Jones' advantage increased to as many as 30 points (51-21) midway through the third quarter before the home-standing Lady Lions gradually chipped away at the sizable deficit throughout the final 15 minutes of game action. Micaiah Satcher's first of four second-half, three-point baskets ignited a 9-2 EMCC run late in the quarter that cut the margin to 57-36 heading into the fourth quarter.

After outscoring Jones, 19-18, in the third quarter, the Lady Lions doubled up the Bobcats, 24-12, during the game's final 10 minutes of play. Satcher's three treys during the fourth quarter were instrumental in EMCC's notable comeback attempt. Dukiaha Jones' three-pointer in the waning seconds of the contest trimmed the deficit to just six points (64-58) before the visitors finished off their nine-point road win.

Satcher and Jones paced EMCC with 19 points apiece, as the sophomore guard tandem combined for 28 second-half points between them during the Lady Lions' comeback attempt following intermission. Satcher's four three-point baskets lifted her to a career-high point total. Cenaya Calhoun-Jingles added 10 points, while Ariana Crimm approached a double-double with nine points to go along with her 12 rebounds.

Jones College also had three players score in double digits, led by Teeale Wells' 18 points. Jakera Ducksworth and Larissa Hubbard followed with 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the 11-1 Bobcats.

Coach Isaiah Butler's injury-riddled 3-7 EMCC Lady Lions were previously scheduled to play Saturday (Dec. 13) afternoon at Baton Rouge Community College. Due to EMCC's limited roster availability because of current player injuries, however, the Lady Lions and Lady Bears have agreed to reschedule the game for Saturday, Jan. 17, in Baton Rouge. Tipoff time is set for 2 p.m. at the Bonne Sante Wellness Center (Bears Den) on the BRCC campus. Earlier this season (Nov. 3), EMCC claimed a 71-62 home victory over Baton Rouge CC in Scooba. 

The next scheduled women's basketball game for East Mississippi is a road non-conference matchup at Itawamba Community College on Thursday, Jan. 8, in Fulton.