MOORHEAD, Miss. — Wins have become routine under the guidance of Chris Oney, but Thursday night's victory carried a bit more weight. After dispatching Mississippi Delta 77-71 on the road, Oney has claimed the 200^th win of his Wildcat career.

Under Oney's direction, the Wildcats have an incredible 200-56 (.781) record and have won seven championships.

"I've always said that I was going to do the best I can and when it's my turn to leave, I'll sit on the porch and think about these things," head coach Chris Oney said. "I've had a lot of really good players, really good assistants — and you don't reach these milestones without a really, really good administration."

Oney talked about what it took to get it done against the Trojans.

"It's never easy to win up here," Oney said. "Those guys are scrappy and ready to play. We started the game kind of poorly like we finished off practice yesterday. Luckily, we could learn some lessons with a win instead of a loss."

GETTING IT DONE
The opening minutes featured constant lead changes, with neither Pearl River (10-7 overall; 2-0 MACCC) nor Mississippi Delta (6-9; 0-2) creating separation. Kamarian Mayfield (Waynesboro; Quitman) and Reece Garrison (Olive Branch) answered Trojan baskets with layups, while Christian Gilliland (Memphis, Tenn.; ABC Prep) knocked down a 3-pointer to give PRCC its first lead.

MDCC responded with a mid-half run to take a 23-17 advantage before Kelan Rich (Pascagoula) struck from deep. He buried three 3-pointers in quick succession, trimming the deficit and keeping PRCC within striking distance.

The Wildcats continued to apply pressure through transition and second-chance opportunities. Gilliland scored coast-to-coast and followed with a pair of free throws to put PRCC in front 28-27 with 5:03 remaining in the half. Daijon Leatherman (Slidell, La.; Legacy School of Sports and Sciences) added a late layup, but the Trojans closed the half strong to send the teams into the break tied at 36.

PRCC seized momentum early in the second half. Leatherman opened the scoring with a hook shot, Mayfield finished a double-clutch layup and converted two free throws, and Gilliland completed an and-one to stretch the lead to 45-36.

The Wildcats continued the surge as Leatherman shook a defender with a pump fake and scored, while Mayfield finished through contact to extend the margin to 49-38. Gilliland's floater and Leatherman's two-handed dunk pushed the advantage to nine.

MDCC mounted a late rally and reclaimed the lead at 63-62 with 4:33 remaining. PRCC answered immediately, as Rich attacked the rim to tie the game and Gilliland gave the Wildcats the lead.

Gilliland delivered the defining moment, drilling a 3-pointer off an inside-out kickout with 1:45 remaining to put PRCC ahead 71-68. Leatherman followed with an offensive rebound and finish, and Garrison knocked down two free throws to seal the win. The Wildcats went on to win the matchup 77-71.

LEADING THE WAY
Gilliland and Leatherman tied for the team lead in points with 18 apiece.

"I think DJ is the best big man in the league," Oney said. "He has to get to the point to where he believes what our coaching staff is telling him."

Rich racked up 15 points in his first full game back from injury.

"It was great to get Kelan back but I think tht was part of our struggles too," Oney said. "With the emergence of Kam and Laz back in the fold, we haven't had practice time for those guys to play together. This time, we will have extra days off to work out some more kinks."

Mayfield added in nine points. Garrison had six.

"I think Reece is really growing up," Oney said. "He does a lot of things to help us win basketball games."

TICKETS
Tickets are available at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Tickets purchased in advance are $9 while tickets purchased on game day are $11.