By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
Feb. 10, 2002
Homecoming was a success as eighth-ranked Meridian Community College ripped past visiting Southern Union (Ala.) on Saturday night before a near capacity crowd at the Ivy Sports Center.
The Lady Eagles once again topped the 100-point barrier in blasting the Bison of Southern Union 104-86. The win lifts MCC to 23-2 on the season.
Much like most of their games at the Ivy Sports Center, the Lady Eagles posted five players in double figures. Tijwana Collins led the way scoring 21 with 12 coming in the second half. Genice Terry chipped in 16 followed by Monique Horner with 13, Felicia Washington with 12 and Cantea Brown had 11.
Southern Union led only once, at 3-2 following a three-pointer by Faithe McGhee. Two straight buckets by Brown put MCC back in front to stay.
The lead would grow to 19 at 37-18 following a turnaround by Felicia Washington with 7:50 left in the half. Two baskets by McGhee cut it back to 12 but MCC answered with six straight points to go back in front by 18 at 43-25 with 5:41 left in the half.
The second half began with MCC up 17 at 57-40. The spread would drop down to nine when McGhee hit a 12-foot jumper to make it 63-54.
A three-pointer by Terry followed by a Eva Starks bucket made it 68-54.
Southern Union then made its last push of the game with an 8-2 run to close to within eight at 70-62 with 12:41 to play.
At this point, Starks began dominating play inside the lane, especially on defense. Her inside basket put MCC back up 10. Horner followed with a three-point play for a 76-62 advantage.
The eventual 19-0 run continued behind consecutive steals and baskets by Collins. Two free throws by Brown and another uncontested layup by Collins completed the run leaving the score at 89-62.
Collins credited the rebounding efforts of Starks.
Collins, a Texas-San Antonio signee, would drift down court as soon as a Starks or Washington grabbed a rebound. A long pass would leave Collins all by herself for a layup.
McGhee finished with 22 points to pace McGhee. Susan Young had 20. Lindsey Slater added 12.
The Lady Eagles hit the road for a Thursday date with LSU-Eunice in Eunice, La. The MCC men will travel to Bossier Parish, also on Thursday.