Gulf Coast smashes Jones, long losing streak

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast broke a 22-game losing streak to the longtime queens of the MACCC in a huge way Thursday night, blasting Jones 85-52 at Dantzler Arena.

The Bulldogs scored the first 15 points of the game and never looked back.

"I told the ladies every game is a statement game, but this game was important because they've been the seven-time region champions," Gulf Coast coach Hope Adams said. "Coach (Missy) Bilderback did a great job, and Coach (Deneshia) Faulkner is going to do a great job, but right now the state is open for the next team to step up and be the next team that rules Mississippi. I told them that we can be that, so that's what we're fighting for."

Simaru Fields (So., Pass Christian/Gulfport) and Jacylin Houston (Fr., Louisville/Louisville) came off the bench to lead Gulf Coast in scoring with 16. Kristen McMillan (Fr., Hoover, Ala./Hoover) had 15 points, and Ja'Sharreah Hunt (So., Roxie/Franklin County) added 12.

The Bulldogs picked up their first win against Jones since Jan. 22, 2013, to improve to 2-0. They are now 13-1 at Dantzler Arena, which opened Thanksgiving week of last year.

McMillan and Tytiana Buckley (So., Meridian/Meridian) hit 3-pointers on the first two shots for Gulf Coast. Adams has predicted this would be a breakout season for Hunt, and she had six points during the opening blitz.

Jones (2-1) didn't score until 4:12 left in the first quarter. The Bobcats scored the first six points of the second quarter to cut their deficit to 23-13, but Gulf Coast started pulling away and led by 22 at halftime.

"I said from the beginning that I loved this team," Adams said. "Everybody brings something different to the table. Our freshmen are still trying to figure out their identity, but when everybody gets to clicking on the same night, we're going to be very good."

Gulf Coast plays its next three games at home, starting with two in the Bulldog Invitational. Chipola visits for a 6 p.m. game on Nov. 16, and Gulf Coast plays Bishop State the next day at 4 p.m.

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