BOONEVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging Mississippi Gulf Coast squad visits Northeast Mississippi on Thursday night in a men’s junior college basketball matchup featuring two of the league’s top individual performers.

The Bulldogs (15-4) have won four of their last five, including an 80-75 home victory over Coahoma on Monday. They are led by guard Duran Parish, who is coming off a 29-point, 4-assist performance in that win. Over his last four games, Parish is averaging 21.8 points and 8.5 assists, showcasing a dynamic blend of scoring and playmaking.

The host Tigers (10-9) have alternated wins and losses over their last six outings, falling 87-74 at Hinds in their most recent contest. Forward Jalen Chandler has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last six games. He exploded for 28 points and six rebounds in the loss to Hinds.

Mississippi Gulf Coast’s offense has been potent, scoring 77 points or more in eight of its last ten games. Beyond Parish, contributors like Maddox Noblitt and King George provide balanced support. The Bulldogs’ lone recent misstep was a 79-64 road loss to Itawamba on Feb. 12.

Northeast Mississippi has shown resilience at home, winning three of its last four in Booneville, including a decisive 85-63 victory over Copiah-Lincoln on Jan. 31 where Chandler posted a double-double. The Tigers will need to contain Parish and improve defensively after allowing an average of 88.3 points in their last three losses.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST. Following this contest, Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts Northwest Mississippi on Monday, while Northeast Mississippi prepares to host Mississippi Delta on Feb. 26.