POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Pearl River men's basketball team and Gulf Coast traded blows all night before the Bulldogs closed things out 87-76, handing the Wildcats their first setback of the 2025-26 season.

"I think the moment may have been too big for us tonight," head coach Chris Oney said. "We made some mistakes, committed 24 turnovers and allowed 87 points — that's uncharacteristic of us. We'll have to get back in, watch the film and get ready for our next challenges.

"During our last timeout, I told them we were going to be in this situation again at some point. We need to remember the moment and be ready for it the next time around."

Pearl River (5-1 overall) dug itself into an early hole against Gulf Coast (4-1), falling behind 13-4 almost immediately. The Wildcats quickly countered with a nine-point burst to even the score. Daijon Leatherman (Slidell, La.) battled for a layup in traffic before Reece Garrison (Olive Branch) finished a fastbreak. Kelan Rich (Pascagoula) fed Christian Gilliland (Memphis, Tenn.; ABC Prep) for a layup, and Jayden Sampson (Cleveland; Cleveland Central) tied things at 13-13 with a soft finish off a Dalton Jackson (Booneville) assist.

The Wildcats didn't grab their first lead until the 5:38 mark in the first half when Gilliland drove into the lane and converted a layup to make it 22-21. Gulf Coast snatched the lead right back and carried a 43-37 advantage into the break after drilling a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

Pearl River fought back once again early in the second half, tying the game 46-46 with just over 16 minutes remaining. Gilliland muscled in a shot through contact, then knocked down the free throw to complete his and-one opportunity.

The Wildcats surged ahead one final time with six minutes to play. Jackson buried a pull-up 7-footer to pull within one, and Leatherman followed by bullying his way to the rim for a go-ahead layup, 67-66.

Despite the push, Pearl River couldn't hold off the Bulldogs down the stretch and ultimately fell 87-76.

LEADING THE WAY
Gilliland eclipsed the 20-point mark for the sixth time this season, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Leatherman recorded his sixth double-double of the year with 19 points and 10 rebounds, adding five blocks in an impressive defensive effort.

Austin Fortune (Atlanta, Ga.; Dutchtown) contributed eight big rebounds and four points.

NEXT UP
Pearl River heads to Odessa, Texas, Thursday–Saturday to compete in the Wrangler Club Shootout. The Wildcats face Midland on Thursday at 5 p.m., Odessa on Friday at 7 p.m. and New Mexico Military Institute on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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