TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 11 Pearl River women's basketball improved to 11-0 Saturday evening, winning 57-45 over Walters State on day one of the Shelton State Classic. WSCC was receiving votes in the latest NJCAA DI women's basketball poll.

"Walters State is extremely talented and well-coached. They have quality wins on their resume," head coach Scotty Fletcher said. "It came down to defense. They were very physical. In the second half, we did a much better job settling in and got quality stops at key points."

After a slew of turnovers, Pearl River (11-0 overall) began the scoring with a 3-pointer. A double dribble call against Walters State (8-3) gave PRCC another opportunity, and the game quickly opened to a 7-1 Wildcat lead. After the second Wildcat 3-pointer, the score sat 17-12. The first period ended with two Wildcat free throws, 22-15 PRCC.

A discouraging second quarter allowed WSCC to tie the game for the first and only time at 23-23 with 30 seconds left before the half. The game went into the half tied.

The teams matched pace during the third period, not allowing the Wildcats to extend a lead past six points. The quarter ended with a slim three-point PRCC lead, 40-37, 

In the fourth quarter, Pearl River began to break away from Walters State. The Wildcats held their largest lead of the game at 13 points, 56-43, with roughly two minutes remaining. Pearl River cruised the rest of the way to a 57-45 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS
Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio; Warrensville Heights) led the Wildcats with 14 points. She had a 3-pointer and went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.

"Paris really controlled the tempo. She was a pleasure to coach tonight. The girls are going off her energy and excitement," Fletcher said.

Mikayla Riley (Tupelo) was close behind with 13 total points. She converted 9 of 12 free throws.

Jazmine Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla.; Andrew Jackson) finished with nine points, going 4-for-4 from the free throw line with a 3-pointer.

UP NEXT
Pearl River has a quick turnaround. The Wildcats face No. 8 Three Rivers tomorrow in the continuation of the Shelton State Classic. Tipoff is set for 1:00 PM. 

Fletcher spoke of the upcoming game.

"It's a talented team. This is why we came to this tournament," he said. "We need our girls to continue to step up and make plays at the right time."

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