ELLISVILLE — Jones College overcame a double-digit deficit to beat East Central in overtime, 103-98, on Tuesday night. The No. 17 Bobcats trailed by 10 points in the first half but relied on free throws in the second half and overtime to secure their 16th consecutive MACCC victory.
Jones improved to 14-5 overall and 3-0 in league play, while East Central fell to 5-12 and 1-2 in conference. The Warriors led 29-19 after an 11-2 run midway through the first half, capped by a dunk from Jaylen Torgusson. East Central held a 45-41 lead at halftime.
The Bobcats focused on free throw shooting in the second half, making 22 of 29 attempts. They continued to capitalize in overtime, hitting 9 of 10 free throws. Keron Jackson’s dunk at the 14:27 mark gave Jones its first lead since early in the first half, 58-56. The game remained competitive down the stretch, with Jones leading by as many as eight points before East Central rallied to tie at 90 and send the game into overtime.
Jones forced a turnover with seven seconds remaining in regulation and had a chance to win with a sideline play in the final four seconds. In overtime, the Bobcats scored nine points from the free-throw line while limiting East Central to 3-of-8 shooting. Dylan Rowe led all scorers with 27 points and added seven rebounds, shooting 17-for-22 at the line. Jackson scored 20 points with nine rebounds, Jay Tyler contributed 23 points and eight assists, and Braylon Barnes posted 19 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double.
Jones will play Mississippi Delta on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. as they look to extend their winning streak.
