Dawson's Stellar Performance Not Enough as Tigers Fall at Home

Marion, AL. - Freshman Darius Dawson scored a game high 30 points for the MMI Tigers but it wasn't enough as they fell to the Pirates of Chattahoochee Valley CC Thursday evening at home.  Marion will host Lurleen B. Wallace CC Saturday, Noevember 16, in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center with a 3:30 p.m. tip-off.

After Jimmie Sanders started the game with a three-pointer, the Tigers fell behind CVCC quickly and had to play catch-up most of the night.  They were able to claw back to a 21-21 tie at 6:06 mark in the first half when Monte Wilkerson found Darius under the basket for an easy two points.  The Pirates went on a small run to end the half, giving Marion a 28-33 deficit.

With Dawson's 19 point second half contribution, the Tigers tried to stay within reach of the visitors from Phenix City, Alabama but could never take the lead.  CVCC built a ten point lead with a little over three minutes to play in regulation before a small run by the Tigers got them to within five, 54-59, with 1:14 on the clock.  Chatt Valley was able to connect on back-to-back free throw attempts and kept the game out of reach for MMI.

Larry Penn added eight points for the Tigers with Jacorey Turnipseed and Desmond Ward each adding seven points.  Jimmie Sanders finished with three points and Monte Wilkerson also got into the scoring column with one point.