BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – It was a rough start but a fantastic finish Tuesday night at Lawson State.

Jones College shook off a 9-0 deficit and 0-for-7 start from the floor and would go on to outscore the Cougars by 21 in the second half for a 91-74 victory to move to 9-2. 

Fifth-year head coach Newton Mealer picked up his 100th career win, just the fourth in JC men's basketball history to do so. And his 132 games to do it marked the fastest ever. 

Jay Tyler's free throw line jumper snapped a four-minute field goal drought to open the game.

Later trailing 17-7, the Bobcats strung together a 14-4 run to take their first lead 21-20 at the 9:41-mark after Tyler hit one of two flagrant foul free throws. 

Lawson State led 41-37 at the half but Jones closed with the last five, including a Brooks Roberts wing three, and some momentum.

Out of the intermission, Jones scored 15 of the first 17 points to take total control.

Dylan Rowe and Braylon Barnes went crazy the final 15 minutes, with Rowe scoring 18 of his career-high 27 in the second half and Barnes closing with 16.

Keron Jackson had a steal and a dunk and Barnes a tough layup to make it 52-43 Jones.

Lawson State wouldn't get within single digits the final 12 minutes as Jones made just about every shot it took down the stretch. 

Jones shot 46 percent against 38 for the Cougars. The Bobcats also had a slim 45-39 edge on the glass. 

The Bobcats welcome Bishop State to A.B. Howard Gymnasium on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. for the second matchup of the year.

Tickets are $8 online at jcbobcats.com/tickets or $10 cash only at the entrance. 

Jones Men's Basketball All-Time Coaching Wins
1. A.B. Howard, 256+ incomplete records
2. Robert McInnis, 107-70 (1999-2006)
3. Ford Turner, 101-100 (1977-86)
4. Newton Mealer, 100-32 (2021-present)