By LEE ADAMS

Sports Writer

Itawamba Community College hosted Jones last Thursday in two hard fought games, and the Lady Indians picked up an 88-80 victory. The men were beaten 79-78 on a last-second three pointer.

The Lady Indians took an early lead and big three pointers by Sanqueeta Meardith and Birdie Bowens led them to a 43-37 lead at halftime.

Jones managed to tie the game at 80-80 with a minute left to play but Lori Crudup, Courtney Cannon and Bowens all hit big shots to give the Lady Indians an 88-80 victory.

The Lady Indians had five players score in double digits. Crudup led the Lady Indians with 21 points, followed by Bowens who had 16 points off the bench. Cannon scored 14 points, and both Natasha Berry and Meardith had 10 in the Lady Indians' victory.

The men took the court in the night cap, and the Indians took an early 10-7 lead; then they extended that lead on a Gary Dixon three pointer.

Theron Jenkins followed with a pull up jumper, but the Indians fell behind the Bobcats as time starred running out in the first half. However, Dixon stepped up and hit another three pointer to give the Indians a 39-38 lead at halftime.

The second half was a back and forth battle with the lead changing hands several times, but with under two minutes left in the game, the Indians tied it up on two free throws by Jason Marks.

The game stayed tied at 76-76 until Dixon was fouled and hit two free throws to give the Indians a 78-76 lead with 25 second left in the game.

Jones drove down the court and took a three point shot that was off target, but managed to get the rebound. They followed with another three point shot that was good, giving them a 79-78 lead with 4.4 left on the clock.

The Indians didn't have time to answer and fell 79-78. Jones moved to 6-0 on the season. Vincenzo Nelson and Dixon led the Indians with 16 points each followed by Jenkins with 14 and Marks with 11.