MGCCC basketball splits with Jones

Markia Nix scores 2 of her 15 points vs. Jones Jan. 22.

PERKINSTON---Two streaks in opposite directions continue for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College basketball.

The Lady Bulldogs (12-3, 4-1) extended their winning streak to six with a 62-53 win over Jones, the first victory over the Lady Bobcats for head coach Melanie Stone. Gulf Coast forced 28 turnovers and got double-figure scoring from four of its starters, with Markia Nix leading the way with 15 points. Presley Owens added 14 while Yasmine Nelson and LaPrecious Thompson each had 10.

The Bulldogs (11-5, 2-3) are mired in a four-game losing skid after an 82-70 loss to Jones. The game featured the return of Bulldog sophomore Angel Matias, who’s been out since November with a broken foot. Matias, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, re-injured his foot late in the first half and did not return to action. His teammates fell behind by as many as 12 before cutting the lead to 51-48 midway through the second half. However the Bobcats went on a 12-3 run to re-gain control of the contest. JaMicheal Hawkins led the way with 18 points while Darius Forest had 15 and Chris Bilbo and Giancarlo Santiago each had 14.

The Lady Bulldogs take on Faulkner State Saturday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. in a non-division battle at home while both teams get back into MACJC South Division action Jan. 28 at Hinds.