November 21, 2017: Men's Basketball
Perkinston, MS
Baton Rouge Bears had their chances to win the game this afternoon versus Northeast Mississippi but came up a bit short. The Tigers (6-0) beat the Bears (3-5) 81 to 79, in the first game of the day, at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Thanksgiving Classic.
The first half was a back and forth contests for the first nine minutes, then the Tigers of Northeast extended their lead over the bears to 36 to 25 at the half. Michael Harden Jr. led the bears in scoring, in the first half,with 11 points. The Tigers first half lead was due to their changing defense and their edge on the boards. They out rebounded the bears 26 to 13.
In the second half, the Tigers tried to pull away and extend their lead but the Bears turned up the defensive pressure and forced northeast into 14 second half turnovers. BRCC tied the game at 61 with 5:07 minutes left to go in the game on bucket by Keandre Randall. Baton Rouge had their chances to take the led but a missed lay-up on a turnover and a couple of missed free throws gave the Tigers the momentum they needed to close out the bears.
Bears Highlight:
Keandre Randall led the Bears with 23 points which included 4- 3 pointers
Michael Harden Jr. scored 22 points
Dominique Elliot scored 12 points and Donald Williams Jr. 13 points
Baton Rouge will have a couple of days off to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday before getting back to work and preparing for their next game against Holmes Community College on Thursday November 30, 2017 at 7:30 pm in the Bonne Sante Wellness Center on the BRCC Midcity Campus. That contest will be a doubleheader with the Lady Bears basketball team as they take on Holmes at 5:30 pm. It will be part of a Special Staff and Faculty Family Night at the game. Admission will be free with the donation of a new or gently wore pair of shoes.