Hinds CC Bulldogs take down previously undefeated Jones Bobcats

The Hinds Community College Bulldogs powered past the Jones College Bobcats 89-75 Thursday night, Jan. 9, in their first home game of the season on their newly renovated court inside J.D. Boyd Gymnasium in Utica.

The Bulldogs, led by third-year head coach Yusef Fitzgerald, jumped out to an 11-point lead (45-34) in the first half over the previously undefeated Bobcats. In the second half, Hinds held and built upon that lead as they outscored Jones 44-41 to secure the 14-point victory (89-75). The victory is Hinds’ first win over Jones since 2014. The Bobcats had won the previous 12 matchups before last night.

“Our strength is working from inside out,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “When we are able to establish our presence inside the paint like we did tonight, it opens up quality opportunities for our shooters on the outside and enables us to get to the free-throw line more often.”

Much of Hinds’ presence inside the paint was established by forward Ladarius Marshall (Jackson). Marshall collected his second double-double game in a row as he tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds. Marshall also was dominant on the defensive side of the ball as he blocked seven shots and collected one steal. Marshall shot 56 percent (5-9) from the field and 88 percent (7-8) from the free-throw line.

“I challenged Ladarius to get in shape when he first got here,” Fitzgerald said. “Since he’s been with us, he’s lost close to 30 pounds and his athleticism has gone through the roof. I’m proud of the work he’s put in and am pleased to see him rewarded with the performance he had tonight.”

Overall, 11 Bulldogs contributed significant minutes on the court in the win over Jones. Out of those 11, seven players had at least eight points, and four scored in the double figures.

On offense, Hinds shot a stellar 48.3 percent (28-58) from the field and 75 percent (27-36) from the charity stripe.

On defense, the Bulldogs played a complete game as they tightly contested Bobcat ball handlers all night. Hinds’ relentless defensive effort forced Jones to shoot just 37.8 percent from the field and 23.8 percent (5-21) from beyond the three-point line. Additionally, Hinds racked up 12 blocks, seven steals and forced 13 turnovers.

“This was a great team win. Our defense played outstanding and everyone contributed. This team has bought into our culture as evidenced by tonight’s performance, but it is a long season. We need to continue to stay and play together and get better every day,” Fitzgerald added.

The win improved the Bulldogs’ overall season record to 7-2 and 2-0 in the MACJC South Division.

Hinds will be back in action Monday, Jan. 13, when they take on the Meridian Community College Eagles (4-6, 0-2) at home in Utica. Tip-off for the MACJC South Division matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.