MGCCC basketball squeaks by Hinds @ Region 23 Tourney

Jeremiah Dunnings (left) shoots the game-winning shot against Hinds Mar. 8 at the Region 23 Tournament.

Dunnings’ trey at the buzzer gives Bulldogs victory

CLINTON, MS---Hinds Community College made nine three-pointers, but a three by Jeremiah Dunnings as time expired was the biggest of the game as No. 16 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College edged Hinds 71-68 in the Region 23 quarterfinals Thursday Night.

The Bulldogs (23-4) advanced to Friday’s semi-final against either Southern-Shreveport or Northwest at 8 p.m.

“Hinds played a great game, but we played hard until the end,” said Dunnings, who led the Bulldogs with 18 points. “I got free at the last minute and had a good look at the basket.”

The game-winner came after Hinds (8-17) tied the contest at 68-68 on a three-pointer by Trevis Thomas with eight seconds remaining. Hinds led the game 34-33 at halftime.

“I told the kids at the break that Hinds had nothing to lose,” said Gulf Coast head coach Wendell Weathers. “I figured they’d shoot at least 30 three’s tonight.”

For the record, Hinds attempted 25 three-pointers, had 12 steals, and forced 23 Gulf Coast turnovers. However, The Bulldogs shot 52 percent from the field and got balancing scoring with five players in double figures, including Dunnings. Daruis Forest had 14 points, Guy Payne netted 13, Ice Asortse had 11, and Angel Matias added 10.

Gulf Coast, the two-time defending MACJC Champions, avoided bowing out of the Region 23 Tournament in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row.

“We keep telling our players at this point in the season, it’s how bad you want to keep playing,” Weathers added. “Our guys don’t want this thing to end.”