Southwest came out on the losing end against visiting Jones County Thursday night, 71-62, despite outshooting the Lady Bobcats from the field, 42%-41% and from the free throw line, 88%-71%. The Southwest men were victorious 98-90.
Southwest (3-13, 0-5 South) took an early 2-0 lead on a Shanekqua Bibbs layup and later held a four-point lead, 8-4, with 17:20 left in the opening half. But, the Lady Bobcats (10-5, 4-1 South) came back to take a 14-12 lead with 12:51 on the clock and eventually went up by 10 points, 36-26, with 2:48 to play before settling for an eight-point, 40-32 lead.
In the second half, the Lady Bobcats built their lead to 13 points, 46-33, with 16:14 to play and appeared on the verge of a blowout win. But, Southwest refused to go away quietly as they pulled back to within two points on two occasions near the midway point of the final 20:00. Unfortunately, there were never able to get over the find the right combination as the visitors escaped with the narrow victory.
Southwest’s Shaniece Sheffield led all scorers with 21 points in the game. Bibbs was also in double figures with 18 points. Cassie Berry and Casey Brumfield both scored six points while Alexis Avery scored five. Lacey Orr netted four points and Julencia Brown contributed two. The Lady Bears hit 15 of 17 free throws.
Alecia Autman and Terrenisha Hollis both scored 15 points to pace the Jones County offense. The Lady Bobcats were good on 12 of 17 free throws.
Southwest hits the road for its next contest as the Lady Bears and Bears travel to Utica Monday night to face Hinds Community College. The ladies game is set for 6:00 with the men to follow at 8:00.
