UTICA – The Hinds Community College Bulldogs won their second straight MACJC South Division game in thrilling fashion with a 78-76 victory over the East Central Community College Warriors.

The Bulldogs got off to hot start and at one point in the first half were leading by 17 points. They took a 48-35 lead into half-time with them.

The second half was an entirely different story however. The East Central Warriors slowly chipped away the Bulldog lead and eventually had a one-point advantage with just 18 second remaining. On the ensuing inbound, Hinds sophomore guard Anthony Johnson was fouled and connected on both his free throws to put the Bulldogs back on top.

With just four seconds left the Warriors' ball handler drove into the lane and put up what could have been a game-winning shot, but Bulldog center Stephane Ayangma emphatically blocked the Warrior shot giving the ball back to Hinds. The Bulldogs would be fouled and connected on one free throw with virtually no time remaining to give them a 78-76 victory.

Bulldog forward Dontrell McQuarter had another outstanding performance as he scored 28 points and collected 6 rebounds. Following the East Central game, McQuarter has scored 20 or more points in six contests this season for the Bulldogs.

The divisional win puts the Bulldogs back in playoff contention. They are currently 9-6 overall and 2-4 in the MACJC South Division which currently puts them in fifth place. The Bulldogs have eight MACJC South Division games remaining on the schedule. Five of those games are on the road while three will be played at home in Utica.

"We just have to take it one game at time right now. We have some tough opponents coming up, but with where we are in the division every game from here on out is a must-win," said head coach Yusef Fitzgerald.

The Bulldogs subsequent matchup will be against Mississippi Gulf Coast next Monday (Jan.28) on the road in Perkinston. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

To follow the Hinds Bulldogs basketball team in their route to the playoffs, look back in to the hindsccsports.com athletics website for scores and updates and follow the team on Twitter at @HindsCC_MBB; fans can also find updates on @HindsCCSports, the mainl Hinds sports Twitter account.