Tigers Hold on to Defeat Boll Weevils
Marion, AL. – The MMI Tigers defeated the Boll Weevils of Enterprise State Community College last night in front of a full house 83-73. That win improves Marion's record to 10-7 overall, 5-5 in the ACCC.
Enterprise State scored first but Quandre Burroughs answered with a three-pointer to give the Tigers an early lead. MMI doubled up the Boll Weevils 8-4 after Anthony Bryant connected from behind the 3-point arc which caused the visitors from Enterprise, Alabama to call a quick timeout. Both teams battled back and forth with ESCC tying the game at 18 points apiece with 7:35 on the clock. After an MMI turnover the Boll Weevils took a two-point lead on their next possession. Eli Elston made one of two free throws and Elijah Marsh drained a three-pointer to give Marion the lead back (22-20). Enterprise once again tied the game at 33-33 with under two minutes to play before halftime; Marion's Tyrone Wright hit one of two from the charity stripe to take the lead back. After ESCC missed two free throws, Elston hit from deep and Isaiah Green tipped in an offensive rebound; Marion held a 39-33 lead. A three-pointer by the Boll Weevils in their last possession before halftime cut the lead to three points, 39-36.
Cameron Spain scored the Tigers first basket to open the second half and MMI slowly built their lead. With under 15 minutes to play Marion took their first double digit lead, 53-42, when Marsh scored on a midrange jumper. ESCC would continue to fight back and got within five points multiple times, including late in the game with under two minutes remaining in regulation. MMI scored after a defensive stop and with the Tigers holding a 79-71 lead, Bryant hit a three-pointer and the Boll Weevils called a timeout. A turnover by ESCC allowed Bryant to score on a drive to the basket; Tigers up 81-71. Tyrone Wright had a key block and steal to stop the visitors from scoring and Marsh was fouled with 31.1 seconds on the clock. After hitting both free throws, Marion had an 83-71 lead. The Boll Weevils scored on a drive to the basket on their last possession but the Tigers were able to capture the win.
Anthony Bryant led MMI with 21 points with five rebounds. Myles McClain and Elijah Marsh each scored 14 points while Tyrone Wright and Eli Elston each grabbed a team high eight rebounds; Elston added 13 points and Wright seven. Rounding out the scoring for Marion was Isaiah Green (6), Cameron Spain (4), Quandre Burroughs (3), and Aidan Driggers (1).
The Tigers will travel to Phenix City, Alabama Monday, January 30, to take on the Pirates of Chattahoochee Valley CC. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.