Marshalltown Community College men's basketball team started Region XI play with a 58-49 win against Northeast Community College on Monday, Feb. 24. 

Earlier in the season, the Tigers split with Northeast with a 77-54 win at home and then dropped their second matchup 75-48 while on the road. The Tigers went into half with a one point lead, 24-23 over the Hawks. They kept their lead only outscoring the Hawks 34-26 in the second half to take the win.

"I'm proud of our guys, the win was a complete team effort," commented MCC Head Basketball Coach Ryan Flack. "It was a new season for us tonight and I thought our focus and execution of our game plan was the best it had been all year. Happy the guys could get their first post-season win and a win on the road"

Craig Philip came off the bench to lead the Tigers in points with 15. He was followed by Quavon Blackwood who had 13 points. Caleb Jacobs lead the team in assists with five and Philips lead rebounds with 10. 

"Craig was good for us. I challenged him before the game to have a great night on the glass and he did just that," said Flack. "Quavon just made it hard for me to take him off the floor.  He was knocking down shots, defending, and really just being the leader he is for us on the floor"

The Tigers will take on #1 Indian Hills Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the second round of playoffs in Ottumwa at 7 pm. Indian Hills is 27-3 for the season. "Indian Hills will be tough. They are very well-coached, size/length at every position, and they can really shoot it.  We will need to play smart and together"