TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The No. 11 Pearl River Wildcats had a tough top-15 matchup against No. 8 Three Rivers on the second day of the Shelton State Classic. The contest proved to be a test as PRCC came up short, 80-70.

"We know playing in this tournament and a team like Three Rivers, a national tournament staple, will pay dividends for conference play and the backside of our schedule," head coach Scotty Fletcher said. "Today, we learned many valuable lessons about ourselves and our team. We've known all year long that this team is extremely tough and disciplined." 

The Wildcats (11-1 overall) opened the game by scoring first off an offensive rebound and putback, quickly taking a 7-2 lead. Jazmine Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla.; Andrew Jackson) landed the Wildcat's first 3-pointer, making the game 10-5 before Three Rivers (12-2 Overall) answered with one of its own, 10-8 Pearl River.

It was after this point that Three Rivers closed in on the Wildcats and took firm possession of the lead. The first quarter closed, 23-15 TRCC.

The Wildcats had their work cut out for them in the second half, entering the third quarter trailing 51-29. 

Natasha Barnes (Chicago, Ill.; Kenwood Academy) hit Pearl River's lone 3-pointer of the fourth quarter as Jackson added 10 points — six off free throws. 

The Wildcats cut the lead down to a slim six points on multiple occasions but could not overcome the deficit. It was a fulleffort from the Wildcats. Hustling until the buzzer, Pearl River ended the game with a gritty sprinting layup. The game went final 80-70. 

BY THE NUMBERS
Jackson led the Wildcats with a season-high 29 points. She went 11-for-12 from the free-throw line and added a pair of 3-pointers. Twenty of her 29 points came in the second half.

"She was phenomenal. She's very comfortable in our system and lets the game come to her," Fletcher said.

Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio; Warrensville Heights) followed with 14 total points, going 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. She now has 14 points in back-to-back games.

Mattison Bell (Philadelphia, Choctaw Central) picked up seven points with a 3-pointer.

UP NEXT
Pearl River women's basketball returns home on Jan. 11 to face Coastal Alabama – North. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

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