Davis pours in 23 for Bulldogs

PERKINSTON — John Davis got pressed into the starting lineup Monday night, and the sophomore lit up the scoreboard for Mississippi Gulf Coast. He made 5-of-6 from behind the arc to help led the Bulldogs to a 99-63 win over Piney Woods Prep at Dantzler Arena.

Javeon Gordon (So., Mount Olive/Mount Olive) came off the bench to record a double-double.

"The thing that stands out is four guys in double figures again," Gulf Coast coach Owen Miller said. "And we had 26 assists on 35 baskets. I really like that. The ball moved an didn't stick." 

Omarion Smith (So., Atlanta Ga./Douglas County) had 16 points and nine rebounds, and Jabbari Barry (Fr., Lake Charles La./Barbe) added 14 points.

Gulf Coast improved to 5-4 and put things away pretty early, leading by 15 at halftime. The lead stretched out even further after the break.

"I thought we played better the second half than we did against William Carey," Miller said. "We talked about that. Let's come out and have some focus the second half. I'm pleased with that."

Davis (So., Pascagoula/Pascagoula) finished with 23 points while making 8-of-13 from the field.

"John Davis really got going there," Miller said. "I think he made four 3's in the second half."

Gordon (So., Mount Olive/Mount Olive) had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

"He's just really active," Miller said. "He's a good on-ball defender, and I'm pleased with him tonight."

The Bulldogs turned the ball over just 14 times, and their press caused all sorts of problems in the second half. The Tornadoes wound up with 21 turnovers and shot under 40 percent from the field.

Gulf Coast made 7-of-12 behind the arc in the second half, finishing just a tick under 50 percent for the game.

The Bulldogs close out the 2023 portion of the schedule Wednesday when Pensacola State visits. Tipoff at Dantzler Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at http://mgcccbulldogs.com/tickets, and the game will be streamed at https://mgcccbulldogs.com/watch. 

For more information on MGCCC's 11 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.