Second Half Struggles Cost Tigers

Marion, Al. - After taking a 45-38 lead into halftime, the MMI men's basketball team allowed the Bears from Bevill State CC to cut into the lead with costly turnovers and offensive putbacks Tuesday evening in ACCC North action.  Bevill took their first lead, 57-58, at the 7:42 mark in the second half.  They extended it to three before a three-pointer by MMI's freshman Jacorey Turnipseed tied the game at 60 apiece.  With back-to-back offensive rebounds the Bears from Jasper, Alabama extended the lead to six and Marion was having to play from behind.  Marion kept the game close with Josh Rathell's jumper cutting the lead back to one, 70-71. 

Once again Bevill brought the lead back to five poiints before Turnipseed connected for two points, followed by a layup from Josue Passius.  With 1:00 to play in regulation, the Tigers were down 74-75.  Bevill State was able to connect from the free throw line and seal the win. 

Marion drops to 10-3 overall, 0-1 in the ACCC North.  They will travel to Wadley, Alabama Saturday for another ACCC North match-up against Southern Union State CC.

Jacorey Turnipseed and Ladarius Carter each had 14 points for the Tigers.  Nathan Boyd contributed with 11 points, seven in the first half.  Rounding out the scoring for MMI were: Willie Dunbar III (7), Josue Passius (7), Joshua Rathell (5), Mark Bradwell (4), Andrew Reddick (2), and Quavon Blackwell (2).