The Kirksville Lady Tigers made a great defensive stand in the final 22 seconds and held on the beat Mexico 52-49 in the NCMC opener at Mexico. The Lady Tiger defense would not let the Bulldogs get a good look at a game tying three pointer, and Mexico came up empty on a couple of offensive rebounds as the clock ran out. Paishynce Fouts was 5 out of 6 at the stripe in the fourth quarter to help KHS pull away. She finished with 10 points. Chloe Carter led Kirksville with 13, and 10 points for Alia Puckett. Tough pressure forced 21 Mexico turnovers. Kirksville gets to 3-2, winners of three straight, 1-0 in the NCMC. Next, a home doubleheader Friday against Fulton.