Pearl River comeback falls just short at Northwest

SENATOBIA, Miss. — The Pearl River women fell behind early and never overtook their host, falling at Northwest 63-60.

The Wildcats are back in action Monday when they host Coastal Alabama-North at 5:30 p.m.

“I thought tonight’s game had the intensity of a playoff game to be so early in the season. I thought our inability to make shots in the paint really hurt us tonight to extend our lead when we fought so hard to come back in the third quarter,” Pearl River coach Scotty Fletcher said. “I thought that was a crucial point in the ball game and we didn’t capitalize on those shots. I was proud of the way our team stuck together for 40 minutes, however our lack of execution to the small details on the scouting report cost us.”

Fletcher said the Wildcats will use Thursday as an opportunity to get better.

“We will get back and watch film because film is your best friend and never tells a lie, regroup and make the necessary adjustments so the next time we find ourselves in this same situation we can execute better,” he said. “We scheduled a tough non-conference schedule for a reason and we are obviously disappointed with the outcome but we will learn from this.

“We have to regroup and get ready for a very well coached and tough opponent Monday night.”

The Wildcats (1-1 overall) led early, jumping out 6-3 on an Olivia Mosley (Pearl) 3-pointer.

A Jakia Harper (Jackson; Provine) extended PRCC’s lead to 9-5, but the Rangers eventually tied the game 9-9 and shortly after overtook the visitors. Pearl River never regained the lead.

NWCC built a 15-19 lead after the first quarter and took a 31-24 lead into halftime.

The Wildcats made a valiant second-half surge, out-scoring Northwest 19-13 in the third quarter and actually pulled ahead 37-32, but the Rangers did just enough late to secure the narrow victory.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

Mychala “Pooh” Linzy (Clinton) had a breakout performance to lead PRCC in scoring with 19 points. Harper was second on the squad with eight. Both Shania Wright (Clinton) and Brieanna Miller (Moss Point) added seven points.

Alanna Smith (Picayune) led PRCC with seven rebounds and six assists.

TUNE IN

All home games will be livestreamed on PRCCMedia.com/gold and can be heard on WRJW 1320 AM or by tuning into the WRJW app.

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