BOONEVILLE, MS - Itawamba Community College secured a hard-fought 70-69 victory over Northeast Mississippi Community College in a thrilling contest. The Lady Indians improved to an impressive 9-1 record for the season.
Itawamba took a slim 21-19 lead after the first quarter, with Jestiny Dixon leading the way, scoring 8 of her game-high 24 points.
In the second quarter, Northeast responded with strong performances from Audria Houston, who contributed 16 points, and Katelyn Leavy off the bench. However, Itawamba's defense, led by D'Naylah Williams, who grabbed 7 rebounds and scored 16 points, held steady, allowing the Lady Indians to extend their lead to 36-35 at the half.
The final quarter saw both teams fight tooth and nail, with Northeast narrowing the gap to just one point in the closing moments. Williams picked up an and-one to tie the game as time expired on regulation. With all eyes on the sophomore, she dropped the free throw to give the Lady Indians the one-point victory.
Itawamba's free-throw shooting, where they went 14 of 18 (77.8%) from the line, proved crucial down the stretch. Tootie Lockett, who finished with 12 points.
The Lady Indians were led by Dixon's 24 points and Williams' all-around effort of 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.
