Midland College battles back to beat McLennan in Region V Tourney

Chaps advance to semifinal round after 74-71 victory over Highlanders

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:04pm

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The No. 9-ranked Midland College men's basketball team fought back from an early deficit to defeat No. 18 McLennan Community College 74-71 in the first round of the NJCAA Region V Tournament. Midland College's Darius Carr scored a team-high 23 points, while Duane Thompson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Chaps will advance to the semifinal round to play either South Plains College or Temple College on Friday.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Midland College's season alive as they continue their pursuit of a national tournament berth. The Chaps were able to overcome an early 13-3 deficit against a tough McLennan team, showcasing their resilience and ability to make key adjustments during the game.

The details

Midland College fell behind early as McLennan Community College jumped out to a 13-3 lead. However, the Chaps were able to battle back, taking a 36-32 lead at halftime. Darius Carr led Midland College with 23 points, while Duane Thompson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Chaps' defense also came up with some key stops down the stretch to hold off a late McLennan comeback attempt.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the NJCAA Region V Tournament.

The players

Darius Carr

A key player for Midland College, scoring a team-high 23 points in the victory.

Duane Thompson

A transfer from St. Bonaventure, Thompson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Midland College.

Isaac Fontenot-Amedee

The head coach of the Midland College men's basketball team.

Amare Banks

The leading scorer for McLennan Community College with 24 points in the loss.

Joseph Mayberry III

A player for McLennan Community College who scored 14 points in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We were big on staying together. Before the game, coach talked to us about being together when times get hard during a game, also when we don't get calls because refs can't catch every call.”

— Duane Thompson, Midland College player

“I was telling (Kevin Smith-Johnson) and Yeison (Liberato) how proud of them I was as they made a couple of huge stops on the defensive end.”

— Isaac Fontenot-Amedee, Midland College head coach

What’s next

The Midland College Chaps will play either South Plains College or Temple College in the semifinal round of the NJCAA Region V Tournament on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Midland College's comeback victory over a highly-ranked McLennan Community College team showcases the Chaps' resilience and ability to make key adjustments during the game. This win keeps Midland College's season alive as they continue their pursuit of a national tournament berth.