Antonio Cowart put up 38 points to lead McComb to an 82-77 overtime win at home against Provine on Friday as the Tigers improved to 9-0 on the basketball season.
Provine connected on a 2-pointer with 3.5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie it at 71-71.
McComb outscored Provine 11-6 in overtime as Cowart had 7 of the Tigers’ 11 points during the extra period. He was also 5 of 5 from the free throw line in overtime and 13 of 17 on the night. He also connected on three 3-pointers in the game, had seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Tigers are a 4A school, while Provine is in District 5A, but McComb was able to find a way to win.
“They showed a lot of poise and composure out there,” McComb head coach Hilton Harrell said. “In tough situations, they stayed poised. A couple of years ago, we lost to Callaway because we didn’t stay poised after that. We missed some key shots down the stretch against Callaway, missed free throws.
“Last night, we stepped up and made free throws when we needed to. We had a lot of leadership out of Antonio Cowart last night. He showed a lot of maturity. That’s what we needed him to do.”
Quadarius Green had 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block for McComb; Zarkeichious Martin had 14 points, five assists and three steals; James Williams had 10 points, which included two 3-pointers; Tredarius Lee had 7 points and Ka’Derrion Mason had 3 points.
Martin led McComb with 38 points and had nine 3-pointers in the Tigers’ 68-39 win at Franklin County Tuesday. Cowart was the leading scorer for McComb Friday.
The Tigers’ head coach said his team was unselfish and had many contributors.
“That’s the balance we have with this team,” Harrell said. “You can’t key on one person. We’ve got a balanced team on both ends of the court, defensively and offensively. When one of our kids are going we’re going to give him the basketball and let him do what he does.”
Lady Tigers beat Provine 60-49
The Lady Tigers won their second straight game with a 60-49 home victory against Provine Friday.
Chardonay Williams had 9 points, two assists and four steals for the Lady Tigers (5-6); Dellsheonia Dixon had a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals; Kevanique Butler had 7 points, two steals and 1 block; Mylisha Hammond had 11 points and 6 assists; Destiny Smith had 14 points and nine rebounds; and Shatondra James had 6 points and six rebounds.
“We shot the ball very well in the first half,” McComb head coach Charlton Grey said. “Chardonay Williams hit three 3-pointers in a row. And the team was on fire from the field. The offense triggered the defense and everything was going well. The second half was a little tough. Provine made a run and we had to fight and maintain composure.
“The young Tigers made some mistakes, but fought through it and made some key plays. I am trying to teach them how to stay focus for the whole game. The Lady Tigers pull together and pulled out the victory. My coaching staff kept encouraging the girls and they stayed positive the whole time.”
McComb hosts Wingfield Friday with the girls starting at 6 p.m.
