LIVONIA, Mich. – Second-year freshman forward Amy Jackson (Flat Rock, Mich./Flat Rock) tied the program's single-season record for 3-pointers made, and Macomb Women's Basketball clinched a tournament spot, despite dropping Saturday's (Feb. 19) road tilt to Schoolcraft by a 72-59 final. With the setback, the Monarchs shift to 13-13 overall and 6-9 in the MCCAA East. The host Ocelots improved to 15-6 overall and remained atop the league at 10-4 with the win.
Prior to the game, the Monarchs officially clinched a spot in the upcoming NJCAA Region XII District B Tournament after being awarded Wednesday's (Feb. 23) forfeit win over Henry Ford early and because a fellow league school was ruled ineligible for postseason play. The Monarchs were likely on their way to clinching regardless but did so two days earlier than anticipated.
Needing three triples to tie the record, Amy Jackson did just that on Saturday, ending the day with 75 3-pointers on the season to tie Ashley Wilson's mark set in 2017-18. Jackson's three triples led her a team-high 15 points Saturday afternoon. With one more regular season game and Region XII District B Tournament play remaining, Jackson has at least two games to claim the record all to herself.
On Saturday, the Monarchs trailed 24-12 after one quarter of play, but rallied to outscore the Ocelots by an 18-14 margin in the second quarter to trail by single digits at the half, 38-30. The Ocelots defensive pressure proved to be too much in the latter half as the hosts pulled away for the 13-point victory.
The points off turnovers category was the difference as the Ocelots recorded 31 compared to 13 by the Monarchs.
Jackson's 15 points led the Monarchs, while Valina Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) followed with an impressive stat line of 14 points and 13 rebounds. The 13-rebound effort marked a new career-high for Hudgins, breaking the second-year freshman's previous best of 12 boards set earlier this season against Bryant & Stratton (OH). Reigning NJCAA Division II Player of the Week DeBraya Edwards (Detroit, Mich./Roseville) posted nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals and Chante Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) chipped in with seven points, three assists and two blocks.
Amari Davis-Dobbs (Eastpointe, Mich./Lincoln) and Gabriella DiPiazza (Warren, Mich./Cousino) combined for 11 points, while Rylee Thomas (Harrison Twp., Mich./L'Anse Creuse) rounded out the day with three points and three rebounds. Imani McGlown (Clinton Twp., Mich./L'Anse Creuse) returned to action and recorded a pair of steals in nine minutes of action for the Monarchs.
Monday (Feb. 21) when they welcome Delta to the Sports & Expo Center for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off. Come early as the Monarchs honor their sophomores/second year players with a brief pregame ceremony.SOPHOMORE NIGHTThe Monarchs will host
