Pearl River Central gave Austin Alexander a win in his head coaching debut Thursday night.

Trey Miller hit a 3-pointer to open the game and the Blue Devils never trailed as PRC beat visiting Vancleave 88-82 in the season opener for both teams.

“We didn’t play very well, but it was a win,” Alexander said.

Josh Nixon led a trio of players in double digits for PRC, as John Henry added 21 and Je’Barr Locure chipped in 17.

• Vancleave managed a split on the night as the Lady Bulldogs beat the Lady Devils 59-52.

Kayla Drummond had a game high 23 to pace PRC, while Shaneka Fowler added 13.

Vancleave, which got 15 points from Rakaya Hughes, led by 13 at halftime and withstood a furious PRC rally to hold on for the win.