POPLARVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — A pair of early-season men’s junior college basketball contenders will meet Thursday when the Pearl River Wildcats host the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs.

The game, scheduled for Nov. 13, 2025, pits a Wildcats team (1-0) opening its home slate against a Bulldogs squad (2-1) looking to build on a decisive victory.

Pearl River enters with momentum from an 87-56 win over Coastal Alabama on Nov. 7. The Wildcats were led by Christian Gilliland’s 28 points and five rebounds, while Daijon Leatherman recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Fortune also had a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Mississippi Gulf Coast is coming off an 84-59 home win against Meridian on Monday. Matthew Hinton posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Duran Parish scored a team-high 19 points. King George added 13 points and five rebounds.

The Bulldogs’ season includes a 104-81 win over Coastal Alabama and a 72-50 road loss to Pensacola State.

Following this contest, Pearl River will host Holmes on Saturday. Mississippi Gulf Coast’s next game is Nov. 20 against Bishop State.