MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive men's basketball team kicked off the 60th Annual Pickle Classic with a statement on Friday night, edging Middle Georgia State 94–91 in a fast-paced battle at Kornegay Arena.

UMO erased a 10-point second-half deficit and closed strong behind a balanced offensive attack and several clutch plays in the final minutes.

Jefferson McLamb delivered a standout performance with a team-high 19 points, scoring 11 in the second half and sparking the Trojans' comeback stretch. Jaevian Alston added 14 points—including a go-ahead dunk with 2:43 left and another bucket with one minute to play—while Matt Kirby provided a steady 17 points.

Middle Georgia entered the break up 57–53 after shooting 60 percent in a blistering first half. Mount Olive shot 57 percent in the first as both team, fought bucket for bucket in the first half.

The Trojans trailed 82-72 with about six and a half minutes remaining but responded with fast-break scoring, timely defense, and a 16-5  surge fueled by McLamb, Kirby, and Alston. UMO dominated the transition game overall, posting a 29–17 edge in fast-break points.

Alston gave UMO the 88-87 lead at 2:43 on a fast break dunk, joined later by Christian Ananaba, who chipped in 16 points and six rebounds, knocked down two late free throws to tie the game at 89–89 before Ananaba's pushing UMO ahead for good. 

Kirby would add free throws of his own to give UMO a three-point lead with less than two minutes left, 92-89. Krishen Atwal for the Knights responded with a quick layup to cut into the Trojans lead.

Alston iced it for UMO with a clutch driving layup past a Middle Georgia State defender to give the Trojans a three-point lead, with a minute remaining. 

Middle Georgia had a final look to force overtime, but Atwal's contested three-pointer at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Trojans' win.

UMO returns to action tomorrow at 7 pm for their contest against Emory and Henry in the final day of the 60th Annual Pickle Classic.