ELLISVILLE – Wesley Lindsey poured in a game and career-high 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double as Jones College opened its 2026-27 men's basketball season with a 69-59 victory over Marion Military Institute on Tuesday night.
The Bobcats (1-0), who celebrated their 2025-26 Region 23 championship with a pregame ring ceremony, led by 11 at halftime and built a 14-point advantage in the second half before holding off the Tigers (0-2) late.
Lindsey played all 40 minutes, finishing 7 of 16 from the floor, 3 of 6 from beyond the arc and 11 of 14 at the free-throw line. He also collected five steals to lead a Jones defense that forced 27 turnovers.
Jones overcame a sluggish shooting night by creating opportunities on the defensive end, turning Marion Military's miscues into 20 points while holding the Tigers to just 30 percent shooting and 4 of 32 from 3-point range.
The Bobcats took control in the opening half behind Lindsey's 14 points and seven from Traevon Koch, building a 37-26 halftime lead despite shooting just 31 percent from the floor.
Jones extended its advantage to a game-high 14 points with 9:01 remaining in the second half before Marion Military trimmed the deficit. The Tigers outscored Jones 33-32 after intermission but could not overcome their first-half deficit.
Max Baria provided a spark off the bench for Jones, finishing with nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Koch and David Washington added nine points apiece, with both pulling down eight rebounds. Wiggy Ball contributed four points and a team-high five assists.
Jones dominated the interior scoring, outscoring Marion Military 40-28 in the paint while holding a 14-8 advantage in fast-break points. The Bobcats also recorded 15 steals and received 15 points from their bench.
Daylen Burks paced the Tigers with 21 points, while Mach Mach added 10 points and seven rebounds. Caleb Johnson pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds.
Jones will hit the road for the first time this season Friday, Nov. 6, traveling to West Memphis, Arkansas, to face ASU Mid-South at 7 p.m. in the ASU Greyhound Tip-Off Classic. The Bobcats will also face Connors State on Saturday at 1 p.m.
