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Meridian Community College

Lady Eagles Open New Year with 70–60 Win Over Columbia State

An MCC Eagles women's basketball player rises in the post to shoot over East Central defenders in a high-scoring home game, with spectators and officials filling the background.
An MCC Eagles women's basketball player rises in the post to shoot over East Central defenders in a high-scoring home game, with spectators and officials filling the background.
Video Box Score
January 6, 2026

MERIDIAN, Miss. – The Meridian Community College women's basketball team picked up right where it left off before the holiday break, defeating Columbia State 70–60 Tuesday night inside Graham Gymnasium to improve to 11–2 on the season.

The Lady Eagles came out firing, opening the game on an 8–0 run before the pace slowed late in the first quarter. Meridian held a 12–6 advantage after one, but Columbia State found its rhythm in the second quarter and trimmed the margin. Despite the push from the Lady Chargers, Meridian carried a 32–28 lead into halftime, led by sophomore Terica Smith, who scored 10 points in the opening half.

Meridian delivered another strong start coming out of the locker room, stretching the lead to as many as 16 points in the third quarter. Freshman Braylen Tingle capped the period with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the Lady Eagles into the fourth quarter leading 55–39.

Columbia State refused to go quietly, opening the final period on a 13–2 run as Meridian struggled from the field. The Lady Eagles steadied themselves down the stretch, capitalizing on a technical foul assessed to the Columbia State bench and converting key free throws to secure the 70–60 victory.

Sophomores Nataysia Willis and Terica Smith led Meridian with 18 points apiece, while freshman Ashlynn Stephens added 16 points in the win.

Head Coach Jocelyn McGilberry was pleased with her team's composure after returning from the break.

"I was proud of the way we handled the final stretch," McGilberry said. "Coming off a long break and dealing with injuries, it wasn't perfect, but our players stayed together and found a way to finish."

The Lady Eagles will be back in action Thursday as they travel to Lawson State for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.

For video highlights from the win over Columbia State, visit:
https://youtu.be/BE_rEwiK4-o

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