Decatur, MS-The East Central Community College Warriors showcased an electrifying performance in Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium, reaching triple digits in a 100-61 triumph over Baton Rouge Post-Grad. With a relentless offense and tenacious defense, the Warriors set the tone early and never looked back, providing an exhilarating show for the home crowd.
The Warriors opened strong, dominating the first half with a 36-20 lead. Their defensive pressure stifled Baton Rouge, while a balanced offensive attack kept the scoreboard rolling. The second half was an offensive explosion, with East Central pouring in 64 points to cement their victory.
Leading the charge was Connor Rogers, who delivered a stellar performance with 27 points. Rogers shot an impressive 10-for-13 from the field and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. He also dished out ten assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Tarrell Doby added 19 points on 9-for-14 shooting, contributing six rebounds and four assists. Fateh Bensalah was a force on both ends, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds while adding six assists.
Hamza Ghoulial chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds, providing critical support in the paint, while Daniel Zatsepin tallied 11 points and four assists, rounding out a dynamic team effort.
The Warriors shot a solid 50.6% from the field and displayed unselfish play, amassing 30 assists. Their defensive intensity led to 16 steals, disrupting Baton Rouge's rhythm throughout the game.
Baton Rouge Post-Grad struggled to find its footing, shooting only 41.2% from the field and 17.6% from beyond the arc. Despite a spirited effort in the second half, their deficit proved insurmountable.
The Warriors' performance underscored their depth and versatility, with contributions from both starters and reserves. The win marks an early-season statement as East Central aims to build momentum and establish itself as a regional powerhouse.
Fans left Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium buzzing excitedly, eager to see what the season holds for a Warriors team firing on all cylinders. East Central will look to carry this energy into their next matchup as they travel to Pensacola, FL, for The Richard Sanders Fall Classic Presented by Visit Panama City Beach against No. 10 Chipola and a nationally competitive Gulf Coast State (FL).