Balanced Bobcats outscore Rangers, 98-90

BOONEVILLE – Jones County Junior College overcame an early 8-point deficit and went on to defeat Northwest 98-90 here Monday night in the Northeast Mississippi Tipoff Tournament at Bonner Arnold Coliseum.

The Bobcats placed five players in double figures led by Christian Robertson, who had 17 points. Mississippi State transfer Maurice Dunlap added 16, while Andrew Riley had 14. Bay Springs’ freshman Bruce Stevens and Laurel freshman Rickey Holden added 11 each.

The Rangers led 12-4 with 15:53 left in the first half when Tyrin Jones converted a 3-point play. JCJC rallied and took its longest lead of the first half at 22-15 with 11:27 showing when Andrew Riley made a layup.

But the Rangers outscored JCJC 27-17 the remainder of the half and led 42-39 at halftime.

The Bobcats would take the lead for good with 14:14 remaining in the game when Holden made two free throws. JCJC took its longest lead when Tristin Walley made a pair of free throws with 2:16 remaining to make it 89-78.

The Rangers got within 94-90 with 21 seconds left when Jones made a pair of free throws.

JCJC outscored Northwest 59-48 in the second half.

Riley had nine rebounds for the Bobcats, while Stevens had eight. Riley also led the team with four assists.

Jones had 30 points for the Rangers, while Seth LeDay added 25 and Dre’Kalo Clayton added 20 points and nine rebounds. Mark Partee had seven assists to lead Northwest.

The Bobcats were 31-of-65 from the floor, including 6-of-15 from 3-point range. JCJC was 30-of-45 from the free throw line.

Northwest was 31-of-77 from the field, including 5-of-30 from 3-point range. The Rangers were 23-of-42 from the foul line.

JCJC outrebounded Northwest, 51-44.

Monday’s game

At Booneville

Northeast Mississippi Tipoff Classic

MEN

Jones County 98, Northwest 90

JONES COUNTY (1-0) – Christian Robertson 17, Maurice Dunlap 16, Andrew Riley 14, Bruce Stevens 11, Rickey Holden 11, Tristin Walley 8, Xavier Howard 8, Andre Johnson 8, Zebedee Rice 3, Davin Powell 2, Albert Goss 0, David Davis 0, Emetric Fells 0.

NORTHWEST (0-1) – Tyrin Jones 30, Seth LeDay 25, Dre’Kalo Clayton 14, Mark Partee 9, Shelby McEwen 5, Lewis Freeman 3, Keelin Jackson 2, D.J. Flippin 1, Isaiah Austin 1, Antonio Wilson 0, C.J. Chatman 0, Rahkeem Lehaman 0, Trey Skelton 0.

Jones County 39 59 – 98

Northwest 42 48 – 90