MCC men's basketball opened the season Thursday night with a game against TaylorMade Prep School from Pensacola, FL.  The Eagles lead for the majority of the game before stumbling late in the second half and fell 69-59.  Meridian came out strong and led 8-3 after a huge put back dunk from freshman Courtland Johnson 4 minutes into the game.  They continued to hold the lead throughout the first half thanks to 3 point plays from Johnson and Tupelo native E.J. Fuller.  A late basket from TaylorMade tied the game at 27 to close out the half.

Alex Perry made his presence known early in the second half.  He scored on 3 straight possessions, giving the Eagles a 32-29 lead with 17 minutes to play.  TalorMade tied the game 38-38 with 12 min. remaining.  It was back and forth from there on, with TaylorMade pullin away late to win by 10.

Alex Perry led the Eagles in scoring with 17 pts.  Courtland Johnson added 9 and Don'taidrae Scott scored 6 in the loss.