Bulldogs head to postseason as four-seed

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast couldn't grab a win in its final regular-season men's basketball game, but the Bulldogs had already clinched a bye into the NJCAA Region 23 quarterfinals.

Pearl River won 79-72 at Dantzler Arena, and Gulf Coast will play Saturday against an opponent to be determined by Thursday's first-round results. The Bulldogs will be the four-seed in the playoffs.

"We struggled shooting the ball," Miller said. "We were 2-of-18 from 3, and then 14-of-25 from the line. We left 11 out there. We always talk about the game rewards toughness, and I thought they were the tougher team."

Duran Parish (So., Biloxi/Biloxi) led Gulf Coast with 15 points. King George (Fr., Olive Branch/Olive Branch) had 12, and Za'Kariyea Hamilton (So., Jackson/Clinton) 11.

Gulf Coast is 23-6 and finishes tied for second in the MACCC with a 10-3 mark. Pearl River is 17-12, 9-5.

The Wildcats shot 50 percent on 20 3-point attempts and had 15 offensive rebounds to Gulf Coast's 13. The Bulldogs scored the game's first nine points after their press gave PRCC fits, but it didn't do as much damage after that.

"We'll regroup, and we'll figure out who we play," Miller said. "It's nice to get a bye, and so we'll have a little time to rest and get ready for Saturday."

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