By By Carver Rayburn / staff writer
Jan. 14, 2003
SCOOBA In a game that came down to rebounds and turnovers, the East Mississippi Community College Lady Lions pulled off a much needed victory over Itawamba 60-55. The victory pulls EMCC to an even division record of 1-1 and a 6-9 record overall.
This battle of the fittest had numerous momentum swings in favor of both schools. The first being for the Lady Indians. EMCC started out the first half by turning the ball over five straight times.
The Lady Lions did play well enough on the defensive end to to hold Itawamba to only two points off those five turnovers. The first field goal of the game came at the 14:49 mark. EMCC then began to play some basketball and constructed an 8-0 run. EMCC head coach Dale Peay said that his Lady Lions were ready to play.
EMCC was lead all night by sophomore Yolanda Thomas. Thomas recorded a double-double on th night leading all players with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Thomas snagged the rebound on the defensive and offensive side of the court late in the first half which lead to a bucket and a 22-16 EMCC lead.
After intermission, the Lady Lions seemed to lose no poise as they continued the same routine as they did in the first half. With 16:35 left to play in the game, sophomore Katrina Barr hit a three-point basket from the top of the key to give EMCC a 28-20 advantage.
Less than two minutes later, the sophomore hit another big three that put the Lady Lions up by 11 with 14 minutes remaining.
Down the stretch it was all Yolanda Thomas. After Lady Indian Amanda Aron hit two back to back three-point buckets to cut the lead to one, Thomas took over. With 4:24 remaining, Thomas scored six straight points for the Lady Lions to push the lead back out to six at 53-47.
With less than one minute to play, Thomas hit two big free throws that enabled EMCC to hang on and get the victory, 60-55.
Peay was also pleased with Thomas' play.
Other Lady Lions on the scoreboard were Dorecious Powe with 14 points and Cedra Glover with 11.