HIGHLIGHTS

JACKSON, Mich. – A valiant effort fell just short as Macomb Women's Basketball dropped a narrow 54-48 decision at No. 19 Jackson College Saturday (Feb. 4). The Monarchs and Jets were engaged in a back-and-forth battle throughout before the hosts pulled it out with a late 6-0 run to earn the six-point victory.
 
The setback sends the Monarchs to 14-5 overall and 4-3 in the MCCAA East. The 19^th ranked Jets moved to 17-1 overall and 7-0 in the MCCAA East after winning their 16^th straight game.
 
A strong start propelled the Monarchs to a 15-10 lead after 10 minutes of play. The Jets responded in the second quarter and went on to outscore the Monarchs 23-14 in the frame to take a 33-29 lead at halftime.
 
The Monarchs regained the lead late in the third quarter before a last-second heave from 3-point land went in for Jackson. The deep shot pushed the Jets back in front entering the fourth quarter by a narrow 46-45 margin. A Ray Armstrong (Toledo, Ohio/Notre Dame Academy) 3-pointer tied the game at 48-48 midway through the fourth quarter, but the offense was unlucky the rest of the way as shots wouldn't fall in the six-point setback.
 
Jasmine Ellis (Hazel Park, Mich./Michigan Math & Science) posted a team-best 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds and Armstrong tallied 11 points to close out the double-digit scorers for the Monarchs. Valina Hudgins (Warren, Mich./Lincoln) corralled a game-high 10 rebounds and added five points, while Amy Jackson (Flat Rock, Mich./Flat Rock) and Kamryn Richards (Grosse Pointe Park, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) combined for 15 points.
 
Richards also divvied out a game-high five assists.
 
The Monarchs remain on the road to face another ranked opponent when they visit Schoolcraft College Wednesday (Feb. 8). Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Livonia.