MGCCC Lady Bulldogs stay alive with 68-66 win over East Central

MGCCC’S Kiara Johnson (1) scores the game-winning layup against East Central Feb. 12.

MGCCC’S Adrienne Mackay (15) is one of four Lady Bulldog sophomores that was recognized after the Feb. 12 win over East Central.

It’s said that defense wins championships. For Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a timely defensive play helped keep their post-season hopes alive.

Lady Bulldog sophomore Savannah Palomarez blocked a game-winning shot attempt by East Central’s Hannah Lee to seal a 68-66 win over the Lady Warriors Thursday Night at the Weathers/Wentzell Center. That play was set up by a Kiara Johnson lay-up with 21 seconds remaining gave Gulf Coast the lead for good.

The victory means Gulf Coast (11-13, 5-6) can still earn a spot in the upcoming MACJC State Tournament Feb. 23-26 with a win over Southwest Feb. 16. A Lady Bulldogs loss would mean several different scenarios would have to play out for them to make the post-season.

Palomarez led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, while Johnson had 15 and Julicia Taylor added 12.

Gulf Coast trailed for much of the game until a Palomarez three-pointer gave the Lady Bulldogs a 46-45 lead with 12:46 left to go. However, East Central went on an 8-1 run to take a 53-47 advantage at the 9:25 mark of the second half.

Five minutes later, a Kiara Johnson lay-up tied the game at 60-60. Three nights earlier, Gulf Coast was in a similar position against Co-Lin but struggled down the stretch and lost that game 75-64.

This time things would be different.

A Tracy Burkholder basket with 53 seconds to go gave Gulf Coast a 66-64 lead. East Central then tied the game, setting up Johnson’s basket and the Palomarez block to end the game.

Gulf Coast sophomores Palomarez, Adrienne Mackay, Julicia Taylor, and Kayla Inabinett all started the game and were recognized afterwards along with sophomore team managers.

MACJC South Division Standings as of 2/13/09

Copiah-Lincoln 9-1
Jones County 8-3
East Central 6-4
Southwest 5-5
Gulf Coast 5-6
Pearl River 2-8
Hinds 1-9