It took an extra quarter but the Meridian Community College Eagles (7-2) eked out an 83-82 win over the Mississippi Delta Community College Trojans (5-6.) The Trojans were down by 15 at halftime, 45-30 but a second half Trojan scoring spurt grounded the Eagles to even the score at 75-74 at the end of regulation.
"We started off slow and got down early. But our pressure ended up getting to them. It was a tough one," Trojan Interim Head Coach Eric Vaughn said. "We fought all the way back and were up by one with seven seconds left (in regulation.) But we fouled and their kid misses the first free throw but makes the second (to tie the game.)"
With two starters fouled out, the Trojans kept it close and even had a chance with a three-pointer at the buzzer that could have been the game-winner.
"We had a good look at a three to win it," he said. "We're two games above where they were last year with a lot ahead of us. We've got a tough conference schedule coming up."
One constant this season has been less-than-average free throw shooting. That Achilles heel was evident as the Trojans only hit 12-of-22 free throws for 55 percent. Freshman LaJames Ducksworth led the Trojan scoring with 26 points before fouling out in regulation. Sophomore Richard Jackson added 16 as did freshman Jherrone Jones who also fouled out. The Trojans got stronger each quarter scoring 8, then 17 followed by 21 and then 29 points in the fourth quarter but fell short in the extra period putting in only six points. As a team, they hit on seven three-point shots. R Hughes led all scorers as he had 37 points for the Eagles. Meridian players hit 28 of 33 free throws for 85 percent.
This past weekend, the Trojans picked up a 71-68 win at home over Baton Rouge Community College. The team had 49 points at half and led by 12.
The team also put a scare into nationally ranked Northeast Mississippi Community College. The Trojans fell 91-84 to the #17 ranked team last Thursday. Jones led the Trojans with 29 points in the Northeast game and Ducksworth added 14. The team shot better at the free throw line hitting 16-of-20 for 80 percent.
The team will now break for Christmas and will hit the court again on Thursday, January 5 when they open league play and host Itawamba Community College. In a non-league season-opening matchup, the Trojans fell on the road, 99-91. Coach Eric Vaughn and the Trojans will be excited to show off their "Christmas Gift" of sorts when 6-foot, 9-inch freshman Jequann Roberson suits up. The Greenville High School alum has been sidelined the past three seasons missing his senior year of high school season due to Covid cancellation then waiting out transfer requirements.
"Very talented, versatile and he's hopefully going to give us a bigger presence on the inside. But he's an inside/outside player and most talented player no doubt," Coach Vaughn said. "He is three years removed but once he gets acclimated, he could be one of the top players in the league. He's traveled all over the country playing high-level AAU basketball. Once he puts it all together, the sky is the limit for him."
The Trojans are averaging 93 points a game, 22nd in the country. Freshman guard Keondra Hampton is leading the nation in assists with 8.2 per game. Jones is 23rd in the country in scoring averaging 23 per game.
"We've had a pretty good half in that regard," he said. "We have five guys averaging double figures and we have two more guys close to averaging double figures. Anybody can lead us in scoring. That's how we operate."
For a full schedule, check out www.MDCCTrojans.com.