Lady Indians defeat East Central to advance to Region 23 semi-finals

Lady Indians defeat East Central to advance to Region 23 semi-finals
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com

CLINTON, MS - The Itawamba Community College Lady Indians overcome 13-point deficit to defeat the East Central Community College Lady Warriors 90-85 in the opening round of the Region 23 Tournament Thursday.

The Lady Indians struggled to find a rhythm early in the contest trailing by as much as 13 in the opening half. However, Sophomore guard Jayla Chills (Ripley), who finished with a game high 25 points, and Alontra Tucker (Lamar) led a 10-4 rally in the closing minutes of the first half to cut the deficit to 45-38 at the break.

Kaelin Kneeland (Olive Branch), who was limited to under three minutes in the first half due to could trouble, provided a second half spark for the Lady Indians with all 12 of her points coming in the final half. With just under 12 minutes left in on the clock, the Lady Indians captured their first lead of the game and they immediately extended it to 13.

The Lady Warriors rallied late to pull within three, but the Lady Indians were able to hold off the charge and pick up the quarter final victory.

Tucker scored 17 points and picked up 11 rebounds for a double-double. Ieysha Mayes (Mound Bayou) finished with 11 points and Jeronia Allen (Minden, LA) chipped in 10.

The Lady Indians will face the MACJC State Champion Co-Lin Lady Wolves Friday at 6 p.m. in the Semi-Final round of the Region 23 Tournament.

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