With an entirely new roster in tow, Miles opened its 2025-26 campaign at home against Talladega. While not knowing exactly how the remainder of the season will go, head coach Fred Watson got a big effort out of his new squad Saturday afternoon, exploding late in the first half to take control of a wire-to-wire win over the Tornadoes 73-59 at Knox-Windham Gymnasium.

Najashi Tolefree - the lone remaining player from last season's team - had a huge first effort, shooting 9-of-17 from the floor for a game-high 21 points while adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. He scored the first two points of the contest, then had two big buckets, including a dunk, that sparked a 17-2 run that gave Miles a 31-15 lead with 5:15 left in the first half. The Golden Bears also found the range from outside in the opening 20 minutes, connecting from deep five times. David Williams (13 points) made three of them - including two in the final two minutes - that gave Miles a 41-25 lead at the break.

A three-point play by Tolefree to start the second half gave Miles its biggest lead at 19 points. While the Golden Bears never trailed and held a double-digit advantage throughout most of the second half, they did have to withstand a Talladega surge. A 9-0 run midway through the half, punctuated by a 3-pointer from Mason Donald cut the Tornadoes deficit to 51-43 with 12:42 remaining. But two Jaden Emory (four points, five assists) free throws with just under five minutes remaining put the lead back into double figures for good as Miles was able to close out the win.

Shaun Walker (10 points) was the only double-digit scorer for Talladega. Tyon Thompson (14 points, four assists), Cameron Jernigan (10 points, nine rebounds, four blocks) and Jaquan Hickles (three points, team-high 10 rebounds, two blocks, two steals) also had solid performances for the Golden Bears, who host Clark Atlanta on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.