Pearl River women still learning how to bite in OT contest at ECCC

DECATUR — Pearl River’s women pushed East Central to the brink but ultimately came up just short Thursday, falling at ECCC 75-67 in overtime.

“I thought our youth was very much exposed tonight. I have to do a better job. That’s on me. Those girls have never been in that position before,” PRCC coach Scotty Fletcher said. “I was proud that when we got down we fought to take the lead, but I didn’t feel like we had the leadership tonight when the game got tough.”

The Lady Wildcats (7-3 overall, 1-1 MACJC) traded shots with ECCC (10-1, 1-1) for much of the first half, with the hosts clinging to a 34-30 advantage at halftime.

PRCC used a six-point run, capped by a big bucket by Elexis Peyton (Jackson; Provine), to tie the game 43-43 after three quarters to set up a thrilling end to regulation.

PRCC scored seven unanswered points to go ahead 52-47 midway through the frame thanks to a Peyton basket combined with a 3-pointer from Jake Harper (Jackson; Provine) and another basket by Harper. ECCC surged back, tying the game 54-54.