Eagles Roll Past Knights to Open Season with Home Victory

An MCC Eagles player rises to shoot over a reaching LA Knights defender in close traffic near the basket during the home game, with the Eagles arena signage visible on the upper tier. Teammates and opponents are positioned around the paint waiting for the rebound.
An MCC Eagles player rises to shoot over a reaching LA Knights defender in close traffic near the basket during the home game, with the Eagles arena signage visible on the upper tier. Teammates and opponents are positioned around the paint waiting for the rebound.
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November 4, 2025

MERIDIAN, Miss. – The Meridian Community College men's basketball team started the 2025–26 season on a high note Monday night, defeating the Knights of Louisiana 78–63 in front of an energetic home crowd inside Graham Gymnasium.

After the Knights scored the game's opening basket, the Eagles quickly seized control with a 14–0 run and built a commanding 25–12 lead midway through the first half. Meridian extended the margin to as many as 19 points before heading into the locker room with a 44–29 advantage at halftime.

The second half brought more of the same for the Eagles, who maintained their pace and composure on both ends of the court. Freshman Fred Motley made an impressive debut, leading the team with 19 points and helping Meridian stretch its lead to 20 points midway through the period. The Eagles connected on eight three-pointers in the game and closed out a decisive 78–63 victory.

Motley led all scorers with 19 points, with freshman KJ Barnes adding 16.

Head Coach Clarence Weatherspoon was pleased with his team's effort and early-season execution.

"I was really encouraged by how our freshmen stepped up tonight," Weatherspoon said. "They played with confidence and energy. It's a great way to start, but we know it's a long season, and we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

With the win, the Eagles improve to 1–0 on the season and will look to keep the momentum going when they host Wallace Community College–Selma on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Graham Gymnasium.

For game highlights, visit YouTube.
For game photos, visit the MCC Eagles Photo Gallery.

Follow the Meridian Community College Athletics teams for updates, photos, and videos on X (@mcceaglessports), Instagram (@mcceaglesathletics_), and Facebook (Meridian Community College Athletics), and visit mcceagles.com for schedules, rosters, and stories.