Gulf Coast pulls away early at Utica

Mississippi Gulf Coast scored 20 straight points in the first quarter and never looked back, beating Hinds 66-44 in Utica.

The Bulldogs led 23-6 after the first 10 minutes.

"We got going in the first," Gulf Coast coach Hope Adams said. We controlled the game for about three quarters. We got antsy when we came out at halftime, and that third quarter there was a whistle about every trip. We got to learn to slow down when we have that type of a lead."

The Bulldogs (11-4, 6-2 MACCC) moved up a spot in the MACCC women's standings to third. They are tied with Meridian for third after Southwest Mississippi upset Coahoma.

Hinds is (2-14, 1-6) after losing its second game to MGCCC this season.

TK Catchings (So., New Hebron/Simpson Academy) led three Gulf Coast players in double-digits with 15. She started and scored six in the first quarter to help build the big lead.

"She got on the boards tonight," Adams said. "She knocked down some free throws and finished around the basket."

Ja'Sharreah Hunt (Fr., Roxie/Franklin County) had 14 points, and Tytiana Buckley (Fr., Meridian/Meridian) added 12 off the bench.

"She's our spark," Adams said. "She came in and didn't press. She kept the energy going all night. She just gives people the blues on defense, and her tenacity on both ends makes us go as a team."

Gulf Coast is back at Perkinston on Thursday when Itawamba visits. Tipoff at Dantzler Arena is at 6 p.m., and the game will be streamed at https://mgcccbulldogs.com/watch. 

For more information on MGCCC's 11 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.