FULTON – The final score was not reflective of how much of a battle it was Thursday night at the Davis Event Center between Jones and Itawamba.

Jones led by as many as 10, and for all but five minutes in the second half, before a late surge from Itawamba allowed the Indians to take the win, 85-72, on their home floor.

The game was ultimately decided at the free throw line down the stretch.

George Marshall shot 13 free throws for ICC on the night. Jones, as a team, shot just 15.  

The Indians led 41-38 at the half, but Jones came out firing behind the hot hand of Ashton Campbell to quickly build a nine-point lead.

Jones scored the first four of the second half and put together an 18-6 run to push ahead 56-47 with 13:40 to play. Campbell had 11 of his 19 during the run. 

Itawamba, however, was too much in the end, leaning on Marshall's 30-point night and three others in double figures.

The Bobcats outshot ICC 51 to 48 percent. The Indians hit 12 threes and Jones nine.

Jay Barnes had 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, followed by 19 from Campbell and 13 points and eight rebounds from Caleb McGill.

Because of Northeast's loss to East Central, Jones will host the Tigers next Monday night in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.