HIGHLIGHTS: YOUTUBE

WARREN, Mich. – In what was essentially a must-win contest, Macomb Women's Basketball rose to the occasion for a massive 59-46 victory over the visiting Mott Bears Wednesday (Feb. 16) in Warren. The win lifts the Monarchs into seventh place in the MCCAA East at 5-8 in league play (12-12 overall). The Bears (8-14, 5-9) dropped a half-game back of the Monarchs after suffering the 13-point setback.

With the win, the Monarchs can officially clinch a spot in the upcoming Region XII District B Tournament with one win (aside from the Henry Ford forfeit victory) or one Mott loss.

Needing a victory, the Monarchs impressed throughout Wednesday's contest and never trailed after halftime to earn their fifth conference win of the campaign. The 13-point win also put a halt to the Monarchs' seven-game skid.

After trailing 5-2 early in Wednesday's league tilt, the Monarchs caught fire behind four straight 3-pointers, the first two off the right hand of Amy Jackson (Flat Rock, Mich./Flat Rock) and the latter pair by freshman guard Rylee Thomas (Harrison Twp., Mich./L'Anse Creuse). The hot shooting from long range put the Monarchs in front and led to a 19-15 advantage for the Blue & White after one quarter of play.

Both teams cooled off in the second quarter as only 20 combined points were scored. The Bears edged the Monarchs, 11-9, in the frame to cut the Monarchs lead to 28-26 at the half.

In the second half, the Monarchs turned to reigning NJCAA Division II Player of the Week, DeBraya Edwards (Detroit, Mich./Roseville), and the sophomore delivered down the stretch. Edwards tallied seven of her game-high 23 points in third quarter to help push the Monarchs in front by a 45-36 tally after three quarters of action. Gabriella DiPiazza (Warren, Mich./Cousino) connected on one of the game's biggest baskets, a third quarter 3-pointer that helped the Monarchs ahead for good.

The Monarchs controlled the fourth quarter behind stellar team play on both ends of the floor to earn the 59-46 victory.

Edwards, also the MCCAA Eastern Conference Player of the Week, led all scorers with 23 points and added 16 rebounds, six steals and four assists for yet another dominant night on the hardwood. Jackson and Thomas followed with 11 points each, while DiPiazza checked in with six points on a pair of 3-pointers. Thomas' 11 points tied her career-best mark set earlier this season.

The tandem of Chante Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) and Valina Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) combined for 20 rebounds and eight points. Chante hauled in a career-high-tying 12 boards, while Valina grabbed eight of her own to help the Monarchs earn the gritty team victory. Amari Davis-Dobbs (Eastpointe, Mich./Lincoln) added two assists and a pair of steals in 16 minutes of action.

Up Next: The Monarchs visit first place Schoolcraft College Saturday (Feb. 19) for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off.