Warriors rally to beat Eagles

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Jan. 17, 2003
It didn't look good for the East Central Community College Warriors as they tangled with Meridian Community College for the first time in nearly two decades Thursday at MCC's Ivy Sports Center.
The Eagles had nine 3-pointers in the first half as they took a 41-39 lead into the break.
MCC led the MACJC South Division contest 70-59 with 8:26 remaining after J.R. Willis drilled his fourth 3-pointer and the 13th of the night for the Eagles.
However, MCC wouldn't hit another trey and ECCC battled its way back into the contest, pulling even at 79-79 on a basket by Brandon Mason with 3:33 left.
Tied at 79-79, the Eagles were called for a three-second violation on their next possession, then made just two of their next four free throws as the Warriors eased out to an 86-81 lead with 50 seconds showing. During the 7-2 run, ECCC got two baskets from Kevin Bobbitt, one from Mason, and a free throw from Donzel Crenshaw.
Trailing 87-83, MCC lost any chance at a comeback when Jamal Edmondson lost the ball out of bounds with 27 seconds remaining.
Corey Hornsby led ECCC with 26 points. Mason had 20, Crenshaw added 17, and Demario Qualls 12.
ECCC improved to 9-5 overall. MCC slumped to 5-8 and 1-3 in losing its fifth consecutive game.
Edmondson led MCC with 23 points as he connected on five 3-pointers. Mecose Todd had four treys and 17 points. Willis had four treys and 16 points. Kenny Boyd added 13 points.
The Eagles had 13 total 3-pointers.
East Central goes to Co-Lin on Monday. Meridian hosts Gulf Coast on Tuesday night.