Women's Basketball | 1/27/2025 8:51:00 AM

In a hard-fought 2-7A matchup, the Clinton Lady Arrows fell to the Starkville Yellowjackets, 51- 46, in overtime after a game filled with momentum swings on Friday night at Arrow Gym.

Clinton came out firing, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 to start and outscoring Starkville 14-6 in the first quarter. They maintained control through much of the third, extending their lead to 11 points, 32-21, behind a 10-2 run. However, Starkville's relentless full-court press began to shift the tide, forcing turnovers and chipping away at the deficit. The Lady Jackets tied the game at 35 late in the third quarter.

Both teams leaned heavily on their defenses, utilizing presses and traps to disrupt offensive rhythm. The intense back-and-forth led to turnovers and fast-break opportunities, keeping the contest tight throughout.

With the score tied at 44 and just 33 seconds left in regulation, Clinton held the ball for the final shot but missed as time expired, sending the game into overtime. In the extra period, Starkville seized control and outscored Clinton 7-2 during the four-minute overtime. Clutch free throws in the closing seconds sealed the victory for the Yellowjackets.

Clinton's Jatoi Johnson was a standout performer, leading the team with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals while shooting 50% from the field.

UP NEXT

The Lady Arrows will look to regroup as district play continues into the final week. Clinton squares off against Murrah on Tuesday night (Jan. 28) in Jackson and hosts the Madison Central Lady Jaguars on Friday night (Jan. 31) at Arrow Gym.