Bulldogs improve to 9-1 at Perk, move up to third

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast used an explosive second quarter to improve to 9-1 at home, beating Itawamba 73-49 Thursday at Dantzler Arena.

The Bulldogs moved a half-game ahead of idle Meridian into sole possession of third place in the MACCC women's basketball standings.

"I think our energy at home is better," Gulf Coast coach Hope Adams said. "I think our focus at home is better, and you can always shoot the ball on your goal better."

The Bulldogs improved to 12-4 overall, 7-2 MACCC. Simaru Fields (Fr., Gulfport/Gulfport) and Tytiana Buckley (Fr., Meridian/Meridian) had 18 points to lead the way.

Fields knocked down a 3-pointer from the center-court logo at the first-half buzzer to give Gulf Coast a 42-24 lead. The Bulldogs expanded a six-point lead after the first ten minutes with Buckley and Fields scoring seven. 

"When Simaru is having a good night, we can count it as win, at home or on the road," Adams said. "Buckley has stepped up and given us some great minutes in the last three games."

TK Catchings (So., New Hebron/Simpson Academy) scored nine of the last 12 Gulf Coast points in the third quarter as the lead grew to 27. She finished with 16.

"With TK, it's all about getting her to slow down and gather herself in the beginning of the game," Adams said. "Once she gets in rhythm, she can get hot at any time. She stays on the boards and is able to gather it and go back up. She finds the rim really well, and it puts her on the line to shoot free throws."

The Bulldogs led by as many as 28 in the final quarter. Elsie Harris (So., Mobile, Ala./B.C. Rain) had 10 points.

Itawamba is now 9-8, 1-7.

Gulf Coast will travel to play Meridian on Monday, looking to hang on to the third spot. Tipoff will be at 6 p.m.

"Overall, I think this team is nipping away at some of the things we need to get better at to become a team that's playing in the championship game," Adams said. "They're focused, they're listening and they're coachable."

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