PERKINSTON, Miss. — After the best start to a season in program history, the Pearl River women’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Thursday night inside Dantzler Arena against rival Gulf Coast, falling 64-58.

“We just weren’t able to guard for all 40 minutes,” Pearl River coach Scotty Fletcher said.” That was the difference in the game tonight. We didn’t have our normal defense and left some points on the table. In basketball, there are always lessons to learn, and we will get back to work.

“We will bounce back from this. I’m well aware of what I have in the locker room and how tough-minded these girls are. I’ve said from day one that this is a special group and I’m never going to waver from that. This will make us better in the long run.”

GAME RECAP

The Bulldogs (9-3 overall; 4-1 MACCC) were scorching hot right from the opening tip as they jumped out to a 12-6 lead with a shot from beyond the arc. MGCCC continued to put on the pressure as it finished the quarter on a big 10-0 run to take a 16-point, 22-6 lead.

Pearl River (14-1; 4-1) looked to grab some momentum early in the second quarter, picking up three quick baskets to cut its deficit to 25-12. The Bulldogs began to pull away as the quarter rolled on and went into the midway point with a 39-21 lead.

For much of the third quarter, Gulf Coast continued its offensive onslaught, but with just a few minutes remaining PRCC started to inch its way closer. J’Mani Ingram (North Augusta, S.C.) was fouled on a shot attempt and knocked down one of her free throws to make the score 55-39. With 1.3 seconds remaining on the clock, Pearl River inbounded the ball to Tierra Simon (Houston, Texas.; Heights), who got fouled on her quick shot attempt. The Prairie View A&M transfer went to the line and made each of her free throws to make it a 16-point, 55-39 deficit at the end of three quarters.

The energy from the end of the quarter carried over for the Wildcats when the final 10 minutes of the night began. Third-year sophomore Ty’Mesha Reed (Meridian) started things with a perfect trip to the free-throw line. On the next offensive possession, Simon caught a pass just inside of the 3-point line and slashed it home to make the score 55-45.

As the Bulldogs pushed the ball up the court on the ensuing possession, Ingram picked away the ball and rushed down the court for an easy layup. A big defensive board from Simon led to some offense on the other end as Ingram knocked down a baseline jumper to pull the Wildcats within six points at 55-49.

MGCCC responded with a basket, but Ingram continued to try to will PRCC back into the game. The sophomore got a fastbreak layup to fall which was followed by a jumper. She then drew a foul a knocked down one of her free throws to bring PRCC to just a 57-54 deficit with 2:45 remaining.

The Bulldogs knocked down another shot, but Ingram struck again. This time, she dribbled into the lane, spun around her defender and banked a ball off the backboard to make it a 59-56 game. PRCC had a few more opportunities to slice into the lead, but Gulf Coast held off the rally to win the contest, 64-58.

LEADING THE WAY

Ingram led Pearl River with a season-high and game-high 26 points. It was her third consecutive game with double figures.

Reed was the only other Wildcat in double-digits, scoring 15 points.

NEXT UP

Pearl River returns to Marvin R. White Coliseum on Monday for a 6 p.m. tipoff against Northwest.

CASHLESS BOX OFFICE 

To help improve traffic flow and fan experience, PRCC athletics box offices will be cashless in 2022-23. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted at the box office. Fans are encouraged to beat the lines and purchase their tickets in advance at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets.

TUNE IN 

Pearl River livestreams all home games for free at PRCCMedia.com/gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the “Pearl River CC” channel from their app stores.

Games will also be available over the air in Pearl River County by tuning into 1320 AM and 106.9 FM. The radio broadcast is also available at WRJWRadio.com and by downloading the WRJW app.

For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on Twitter (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).