Davis delivers late, Indians top No. 14 Jones, 75-74

ELLISVILLE, Miss. – With first place in the MACCC on the line, the Indians went on the road and edged No. 14 Jones College, 75-74, Monday night.

The Indians (15-6, 6-1 MACCC) and Bobcats (17-6, 6-1 MACCC) came in tied at the top of the league standings, and it played that way for 40 minutes before DJ Davis knocked down the eventual game-winning jumper with 24 seconds left.

ICC led 40-30 at the break, then opened the second half with a tone-setting sequence. Kyler Fox turned away a Jones dunk attempt with a block, DJ Davis secured the rebound, and Damarion Winston followed with a jumper to push the lead to 42-30.

The Bobcats answered quickly. A three at the 18:50 mark and a couple of finishes at the rim trimmed the gap, but the Indians answered with Jaden Harper's three off a Jason Johnson assist to make it 45-38.

The second half turned into a stretch of swings. The Indians got a lift from its defense and timely finishes, including a Winston block that led to a layup for a 49-42 lead. The Bobcats continued to chip away and eventually moved in front at the free-throw line, then grabbed a 53-49 lead on a three with 12:28 left.

Harper hit another three at 11:07 to cut it to 53-52, and Fox scored inside as the game tightened.

The final minutes stayed tight and every trip mattered. Davis hit two free throws at 6:16 to put ICC in front 63-62. Jones answered. ICC answered. Tim Holliday knocked down a three at 4:57 to give the Indians a 68-66 lead, and after Jones tied it again, ICC stayed alive with extra chances. Dailin Cooperwood's tip-in with 1:15 left tied the game at 73-73 after a steal and two offensive rebounds kept the possession alive.

Jones went back in front 74-73 at the line with 43 seconds left, and the Indians used the next possession to get Davis a look. Davis rose and hit the contested jumper with 24 seconds remaining to put the Indians ahead 75-74.

The Bobcats had one more chance late, but the Indians finished the stop and walked out with the win.

Up next, the Indians return home Thursday to host the Southwest Bears (10-11, 4-1 MACCC) on Alumni Night at the Davis Event Center. The Guaranty Bank opening tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.