Bears lose opener of Coca Cola Classic to COLIN

Monday November 17, 2025: Men's Basketball

Summit, MS

The Baton Rouge Bears faced the Copiah Lincoln Wolves this afternoon in their first game of the Southwest Coca-Cola Classic in Summit, Mississippi. Despite a strong start, the Bears lost to the Wolves with a final score of 63 to 53. 

The Bears scored first with a jumper by Nicholas Womack, taking an early lead. The Wolves quickly responded, tying the game at 2 points. The Bears then went on a 12-2 run, establishing a 10-point lead at 14-4 with 13:37 remaining in the first half. This surge was fueled by solid performances from Amir Abdul-Raul, Chad Jones, and Cardez Norman. The Bears increased their defensive pressure, forcing the Wolves into multiple turnovers and quick offensive possessions. However, the Wolves countered with an 11-0 run, taking a one-point lead at 15-14 with eleven minutes left in the half. The Bears lost their momentum and struggled on both ends of the floor, allowing the Wolves to take a six-point lead at halftime, 30-24. 

In the second half, the Bears switched to a zone defense to limit the Wolves' outside shooting, which had contributed to their earlier scoring run. Despite this defensive adjustment, the Bears continued to struggle on offense. They pulled within four points at 33-29 with 16 minutes remaining, but that was as close as they would get. Freshman Kobe Jones came off the bench and provided a spark on both ends of the floor for the Bears, but it was not enough. The Wolves extended their lead to eleven points at 51-40 with seven minutes left. In the end, the Wolves outscored the Bears 33-29 in the second half, securing a 63-53 victory. 

With this loss, the Bears' record dropped to 2-4, while the Wolves improved to 4-3 for the season. Despite the defeat, Baton Rouge still leads the all-time series against Copiah Lincoln with 10 wins to 6 losses. 

Chad Jones Jr. lead the Bears with 11 points. Tyrell Bowles led the Wolves with 17 points. The Wolves had four student athletes score in double figures.

Bears Highlights

Chad Jones Jr. lead the Bears with 11 points, 4 assist and 6 rebounds

Amir Abdul-Rauf added 8 points with 5 rebounds

Cardez Norman and Kobe Jones both chipped in six points.

Up Next: 

The Bears will conclude the Southwest Coca-Cola Classic against the host Southwest Mississippi Bears on Tuesday November 18 at 7:30 pm.

Follow Us: 

For more information about Bears Basketball, follow us on Twitter (@BRCCMensBBall), Instagram (@brcc_hoops), and Facebook (BRCCAthletics).