Preview: Mississippi Gulf Coast at Copiah-Lincoln

WESSON, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging Mississippi Gulf Coast men’s basketball team, ranked among the state’s junior college elite, visits a struggling Copiah-Lincoln squad on Thursday night in a MACCC matchup.

The Bulldogs (17-4) enter on a high note after a thrilling 100-98 home victory over Northwest Mississippi on Monday. They have won seven of their last eight games, with their only loss in that span a 79-64 defeat at Itawamba on Feb. 12.

Mississippi Gulf Coast is led by guard Duran Parish, who has been a dynamic force in recent weeks. He is coming off a 29-point, 4-assist performance in a win over Coahoma on Feb. 16 and a 32-point, 7-assist outing in a victory at Northeast Mississippi on Feb. 19. Over his last four games, Parish is averaging 19.3 points and 7.8 assists.

The Wolves (9-10) look to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 80-73 loss at Hinds on Monday. Their last win was a 63-59 overtime victory against Meridian on Feb. 12.

Copiah-Lincoln will rely on forward Tyrell Bowles, who has posted strong individual numbers despite the team’s losses. He recorded a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds in a loss to Northwest Mississippi on Feb. 21, and had 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a defeat at Jones on Feb. 16.

The Bulldogs won the first meeting this season, 86-82, at home on Jan. 22. In that game, Hinds Community College was the opponent, indicating a possible data inconsistency in the provided records. The available history shows these teams have not faced each other this season, setting the stage for their first conference clash.

Tip-off is set for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Mullen Gymnasium in Wesson.