MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive men’s basketball team launched the 60th Annual Pickle Classic with a thrilling comeback victory Friday night, defeating Middle Georgia State 94–91 in a high-energy showdown at Kornegay Arena.

The Trojans overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half, relying on balanced scoring and timely plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Jefferson McLamb led the way with 19 points—11 of them coming in the second half—providing the spark UMO needed to shift the momentum. Matt Kirby added 17 points, while Jaevian Alston delivered 14 points, including a pivotal go-ahead dunk with 2:43 remaining and another key basket in the final minute.

Middle Georgia State entered halftime with a 57–53 advantage after shooting a blistering 60 percent in the opening period. Mount Olive nearly matched that pace, hitting 57 percent as both teams traded baskets in a fast, offensive first half.

Down 82–72 with just over six minutes left, the Trojans mounted a determined comeback. A 16–5 run fueled by McLamb, Kirby, and Alston flipped the momentum, and UMO’s dominance in transition—holding a 29–17 fast-break edge—proved crucial.

Alston’s dunk at 2:43 gave the Trojans their first lead of the closing stretch at 88–87. Christian Ananaba, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds, knocked down two clutch free throws to tie the game at 89 before scoring again to push UMO ahead for good.

Kirby added late free throws to extend Mount Olive’s lead to 92–89, though Middle Georgia’s Krishen Atwal quickly answered with a layup to tighten the gap.

With one minute left, Alston delivered the dagger, driving past a defender to put the Trojans up 94–91. The Knights had one final chance to force overtime, but Atwal’s contested three-pointer at the buzzer missed, sealing the victory for UMO.

The Trojans return to action Saturday at 7 p.m. to face Emory & Henry in the final day of the 60th Annual Pickle Classic.