Second half surge leads MCC over Augustana 71-59

Freeport, IL—Jamal Gatali (Toronto, ONT/Downsview) led the Marshalltown Community College men's basketball team in scoring for the second straight game as the Tigers rallied from a first half deficit to defeat Augustana College 71-59 Saturday afternoon at the Highland CC Tournament. The Tigers are now 6-4 on the year.

Gatali was one of four players in double-figures, joining Tyrese Hoxter (Boston, MA/Charlestown) with 12 and Troidell Carter (Lilburn, GA/Meadowcreek) and Merdic Green (Leevittown, PA/Harry S. Truman) who scored 10 apiece. Hoxter went 8-8 at the free throw line, all coming in the second half while Gatali knocked down a season-high three three-point attempts.

The Tigers offense was slow to get going in the first half as Augustana held MCC to just 28 first half points. No player scored more than six points in the first 20 minutes. The Tigers attempted just four free throw attempts in the opening half as Augustana held a 35-28 advantage at halftime.

MCC's offense picked up the pace in the second, led by Gatali who hit all three of his shots from beyond the arc in final 20 minutes. MCC was able to hold off Augustana due to a strong performance at the free throw line, scoring their final 12 points at the line.

MCC will play tournament host Highland Community College tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM.

Follow @MCC_SID