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Bears stun 2nd-ranked Pearl River

Snap visitors' 33-game winning streak

By: Michael D. Gunnell, Southwest Sports Information
Tada Stricklen
Chuck Barnes
Tada Stricklen launches his game-winning trey

Men's Basketball | 2/20/2021 4:42:00 PM

Tada Stricklen nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer Saturday afternoon in Summit to help the Bears stun the 2nd-ranked Pearl River Wildcats, 70-69, and record what is arguably the biggest win in program history. It was Stricklen's second game-winning shot this season.
 
Snapping Pearl River's 33-game winning streak, the Bears moved to 6-2 on the season. Pearl River fell to 5-1.
 
A Querrion Gadson bucket with 9:56 left in the first half capped a 19-10 run by the Bears that gave them their biggest lead of the game, 22-14.
 
Pearl River then began firing on all cylinders, outscoring the Bears 17-8 to close out the half and take a 31-30 advantage into the locker room.
 
With 15:33 left in the game, Pearl River moved out to their largest lead of the day, 41-36. But, Mazae Blake and Stricklen combined for 9 points to put the Bears on top 45-43 with 13:33 to go.
 
The game was tied four times and and the lead changed hands eight times the rest of the way.
 
The Bears trailed 61-58 with 3:55 left. But, six straight points by Blake put them on top 64-61 with 2:10 showing.
 
Pearl River took a 69-67 lead with 0:3.7 on the clock. Forced to go the length of the court, the Bears got the ball into Stricklen's hands and the rest is history.
 
"Our team never gave up from start to finish," said Bears head coach Bryan Bender. "Pearl River's a phenomenal program and they've done very well in the last few years (and came into the game) riding a 33-game winning streak."
 
"I don't think our program has ever beaten a Top Five team," Bender continued, "let alone number two in the country. We've been very close (with Pearl River) the last few years here (at home-last season not withstanding). But, every year we've had a good game plan. Our guys were able to stick together through it all."
 
Bender concluded his post-game comments, saying the biggest part of the wining play was Javius Moore setting "a screen for (Stricklen) and Xyshan Jenkins (getting) the ball in (bounds) and they were able to execute what we drew up and won us the game."
 
Moore led the Bears' offense with 15 points, 13 in the first half. Hudson followed with 12 points while Blake scored 10.
 
The Bears made 15 of 20 free throws.
 
Pearl River's Jaronn Wilkens led all scorers with 21 points. He and his teammates combined to go 14-21 at the free throw line.
 
The Bears return to the home court on February 22 when they host MACCC South Division rival Co-Lin. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00.
 
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Players Mentioned

Querrion Gadson

#10 Querrion Gadson

G
6' 1"
Sophomore
Xyshan Jenkins

#21 Xyshan Jenkins

G/F
6' 7"
Sophomore
Tada Stricklen

#4 Tada Stricklen

G
6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
Javius Moore

#1 Javius Moore

G/F
6' 7"
Freshman
Zae Blake

#5 Zae Blake

G
6' 1"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Querrion Gadson

#10 Querrion Gadson

6' 1"
Sophomore
G
Xyshan Jenkins

#21 Xyshan Jenkins

6' 7"
Sophomore
G/F
Tada Stricklen

#4 Tada Stricklen

6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
G
Javius Moore

#1 Javius Moore

6' 7"
Freshman
G/F
Zae Blake

#5 Zae Blake

6' 1"
Freshman
G