MGCCC rolls through first day at Gulf Coast Classic

Shameika Hart (5) defends a Holmes player Nov. 19. Hart scored 27 points for the Lady Bulldogs.

PERKINSTON---A sluggish first half turned into a rout as Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College hammered Baton Rouge 58-39 in day one action at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic. The Bulldogs (6-1) were only ahead 18-15 at halftime but came out strong in the final period to beat the Bears for the second time in five days. JaMichael Hawkins led Gulf Coast with 18 points while Angel Matias had 13 and Chris Bilbo added 10.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-2) broke open a tight game late and got past Holmes 79-70. Shameika Hart poured in 27 points including five three-pointers to lead the team in scoring. Markia Nix had 16 points, Brittney Jones had 14, and Presley Owens added 11 in the victory.

In other Gulf Coast Classic action, East Mississippi’s women took down Baton Rouge 51-39 while Pensacola State slipped by Holmes 50-49 in the other men’s contest. Here is the day two schedule:

GULF COAST CLASSIC---TUESDAY, NOV. 20

10:00 am---Baton Rouge vs. Holmes (women)

11:30 am--- MGCCC vs. East Miss (women)

1:15 pm---Pensacola St. vs. Baton Rouge (men)

3:00 pm---MGCCC vs. Holmes (men)