Lions put stop to late rally

By By Carver Rayburn / staff writer
Jan. 14, 2003
SCOOBA East Mississippi Community College hosted Itawamba Community College Monday night in a wild game that featured 49 total fouls and a classic comeback that fell short. The Lions of EMCC saw a 30-11 halftime lead dwindle to a four-point lead in the second half before hanging on to win 68-56.
In the first half, the Lions (3-12, 1-1) made 9-of-16 shots from the floor compared to 3-of-16 for the visiting Indians (10-4, 2-1). After taking an early 5-2 lead, the Lions went on a 7-0 run fueled by sophomore guard Tremechie Evans and freshman forward Joseph Collins. The offensive presence of these two produced the Lions first 16 points of the game.
With 6:15 remaining in the first half, Marcus Houston came off the bench to hit a three and give EMCC a 19-6 advantage. The Lions closed out the first half forcing two straight turnovers and turning them into four points.
At halftime, the Lions boasted a shooting percentage of 56 while Itawamba shot an ice-cold 19 percent.
The Indians used halftime to find themselves. The second half Itawamba team was not the same one that had taken to the court in the first half. At the 18:14 mark, Itawamba freshman Kinley Sellers sunk the first of his four second half three-pointers. The rally had started.
Armstrong was not shocked at the comeback by the Indians.
With 15:32 remaining in the game, ICC went on a 14-0 run to pull within four points. After EMCC called two consecutive timeouts, sophomore Davarrius Hairston hit a shot in the paint and was fouled. Hairston then hit his charity shot to complete the three point play.
The Lions would keep there lead at six or more due to the play of their bench. In a game with 27 EMCC fouls committed, the bench had to do its part when called on. Armstrong feels that his bench did that last night.
EMCC' bench outscored Itawamba 16-7 on the night. Leading the Lions in scoring were Tremechie Evans with 21 points, Joseph Collins with 13 points and Davarruis Hairston with 12.