January 26, 2021
It was a tight battle in Poplarville on Monday night as the Lady Warriors went toe-to-toe with the Lady Wildcats of Pearl River in the 2021 season opener. Pearl River escaped Marvin R. White Coliseum with a 63-54 victory after rallying in the second half to get the win.
Both squads had slow starts as defense was prevalent from the opening tip. The Lady Warriors got their feet under them late in the first quarter and sparked a 12-0 run that went into the second period of play. PRCC battled back and went on a scoring spree of their own, but the Lady Warriors continued to fight back and took a narrow, three-point lead into the half, 28-25.
The third quarter saw much more offensive production from both teams as the baskets started falling. The Lady Wildcats outpaced East Central 20-18 in the third frame but still trailed by one, 46-46, going into the final 10 minutes.
A fourth-quarter rally from Pearl River was the difference-maker on the night as PRCC added 18 points to East Central's eight. The late swing gave the Lady Wildcats the lead and secured the win.
Mer'Cades Miller was the only Lady Warrior to score in double-digits as she came off the bench and poured in 11 points. In all 11 different Lady Warriors scored in the contest. Sylvia Jones led the team in rebounds with six. East Central finished the night shooting 35 percent from the floor and 45 percent from the freethrow line. Pearl River was led by Ty'mesha Reed with 15 points and 10 rebounds from Marcavia Shavers. The Lady Wildcats shot 46 percent from the field and 50 percent from the stripe. PRCC outrebounded the Lady Wolves 47 to 30.
East Central's home opener versus Southwest, originally set for Thursday, January 28, has been postponed as the Lady Bears are in COVID-19 protocol. The Lady Warriors will be back on the court next Monday, February 1 as the Jones College Lady Bobcats travel to Decatur at 6 p.m. Fans can find attendance information HERE. The game will also be live-streamed at www.eccclive.com/gold-channel for those that cannot attend.
