Bears drop Region 23 Game to the Hinds Bulldogs

Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Men's Basketball 

Baton Rouge, LA

The Baton Rouge Bears faced off against Region 23 opponent, the Hinds Community College Bulldogs, this evening in the Bonne Sante Wellness Center on the BRCC Midcity campus. Unfortunately, the Bears could not overcome a slow start and fell to the Bulldogs with a final score of 70 to 64.

The game began with both teams feeling each other out, leading to a tie at 5 points with 17 minutes remaining in the first half. However, the Bears hit a roadblock offensively and the Bulldogs went on an 11-0 run, establishing an eleven-point lead with 11 minutes left in the half. Noah Whitehead managed to sink two free throws to break the ice for the Bears. Following this, the Bears went on a mini 5-2 run, pulling within six points at 23-17 with 8 minutes to play. The Bulldogs, however, closed out the half strong and took an eight-point lead into the locker room, 34-26. 

Tyrael- Cage Heke opened the second half scoring for the Bears with six straight points, bringing the Bears within three points at 36-33 with 17 minutes remaining. The Bears stayed competitive throughout the night, but the Bulldogs consistently made crucial defensive stops and key offensive plays to maintain their lead. With 11 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs had a 10-point lead at 52-42. They then expanded their lead to 14 points—the largest of the game—with 6 minutes remaining, making it 64-50. The Bears fought hard until the end, but ultimately fell short, losing 70 to 64.

Noah Whitehead was the standout for the Bears, leading the way with 16 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals. The Bears had three players score in double figures: Whitehead, Tyrael- Cage Heke with 14 points and 6 rebounds, and Bryce Coleman who contributed 11 points along with 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.

For the Bulldogs, Tyric Francois and Terrance Clark each scored 16 points, with four players in total scoring in double figures: Francois, Clark, Henry, and Cham.

With this loss, the Bears' record fell to 7-10, while the Bulldogs improved to 9-6 on the season. Baton Rouge leads the all-time series with 6 wins to 4 losses against Hinds.

Bear Highlights:

- Noah Whitehead: 16 points, 4 assists, 4 steals

- Tyrael- Cage Heke: 14 points, 6 rebounds

- Bryce Coleman: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks

Up Next:

The Bears will hit the road on Thursday, January 8, to take on Region 23 opponent the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs in Perkinston, Mississippi. Tip-off is set for 6 PM in Dantzler Arena.

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