Indians drop close game in battle of defending champs

Indians drop close game in battle of defending champs
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com

FULTON, MS – It was a battle of champions Thursday night as the defending MACJC Champions and defending NJCAA Champions went head-to-head. The game went as billed but Jones picked up the 80-76 win that was decided in the final seconds.

"I thought we got off to a slow start at the beginning of the game," said head coach Grant Pate. "Our guys fought back and started playing better at the end of the first half and closed the gap."

The Indians slow start out them down early where they trailed by as much as 15-points in the first half. However, the Indians (1-2) started clicking and turned things up to tie the game midway through the half and trailed by only four at halftime, 43-39.

"Our guys started getting some stops on defense, and we executed and had a chance at the end," said Pate. "We made adjustments at halftime and our guys responded well against a good and well coached team."

Those halftime adjustments led to a back-and-forth battle in the second half, with the lead exchanging hands numerous times. It was a one possession game for most of the final minutes and the Indians trailed 78-76 with 11.1 left in the game. Tyrone Wooten (Memphis, TN) was able to steal the ball from Jones, but was forced out of bounds with five ticks left on the clock, giving Jones possession and the 80-76 win.

"Our effort was there, but we just have to take care of the details," said Pate. "We're disappointed with a home loss but we will move on and prepare for Snead State on Monday."

Wooten led the Indians with 23-points, followed by Howard Thomas (Brandon) with 15. Austin Timms (Mooreville) and Lakee Westbrook (Tupelo) both chipped in 10 each.

ICC will travel to Snead State on Monday for their first road games of the season and tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.