BAY MINETTE, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - South Men's Basketball made a strong return to the court in its first game of the 2026 calendar year, rolling past Pearl River Community College (Miss.), 98-88 in a non-conference matchup Thursday night, Jan. 8. The game versus Pearl River concluded non-conference action for the 2025-26 season for the Coyotes, with the overall record sitting at 5-10 on the year ahead of conference play in the ACCC Division I.
The Highlights
The 'Yotes came out with energy from the opening tip, building a slim 46-44 halftime lead before turning up the tempo in the second half. Coastal - South poured in 52 points after the break to create separation and secure the double-digit victory over the Wildcats.
Josh Williams, current ACCC top scorer, led the offensive charge with a game-high 32 points, knocking down 12-of-20 shots from the field and adding three three-pointers. Williams currently averages over 20 points per game, and the 30-point performance against Pearl River is his third 30-point game of the season. Williams has finished in double figures in 12 of the 14 games played this year for Coastal - South.
Makhi Jones followed Williams with a strong 26 points and five rebounds, while Bryce Bracco connected on four triples and finished with 15 points in an efficient shooting night. Coastal Alabama - South shot 50% from the floor as a team (36-of-72) and hit nine three-pointers, while also controlling the glass with 36 rebounds. AJ Thompson provided a strong all-around performance off the bench, contributing 10 points, eight rebounds, and a team-high seven assists.
The Coyotes' ball movement and defensive pressure were key throughout the night, as they totaled 17 assists and forced Pearl River into a tough second half that allowed Coastal - South to pull away late.
ACCC Action Ahead
With non-conference play officially in the books, Coastal Alabama - South will look to ride momentum from Thursday's win into ACCC D-I action beginning on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Gadsden State (Ala.). Thursday's conference opener is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. CT in Gadsden, Ala.
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