Council Bluffs, IA—A slow first half proved costly for the Marshalltown Community College men's basketball team on Friday afternoon as the Tigers suffered a 63-55 loss to Missouri State- West Plains at the Hampton Inn- Holiday Inn Reiver Classic on the campus of Iowa Western Community College. MCC falls to 2-2 on the year.
The Tigers hit just 18.5 percent of their shots in the first half while not attempting a three-point shot. The Grizzlies led the low-scoring affair at halftime, 23-16. Merdic Green (Levittown, PA/Harry S. Truman) scored all six of his points in the first half to keep the Tigers within striking distance.
MCC was able to find their touch in the second half, shooting 48.4 percent from the floor, but the Grizzlies were able to outperform the Tigers down the stretch. The Tiger defense kept MSU-WP to just 23.5 percent shooting in the first half but came out firing in the second, shooting 51.9 percent in the final 20 minutes.
The Tigers hit four three-point shots in the second half, including two from Kenny Strong (Youngstown, OH/Chaney) to keep the game close, but the Grizzlies controlled nearly every facet of the game to come out on top.
MSU-WP dominated the rebounding game, doubling up the Tigers in total rebounds, 52-26. The Tiger defense was able to force 19 turnovers and keep the Grizzlies to just 3-17 shooting from beyond the arc. In four games this season, opponents are shooting just 25.3 percent from three-point range against MCC.
With the win, the Grizzlies improved to 4-1 on the year.
Troidell Carter (Lilburn, GA/Meadowcreek) was the lone Tiger to score in double figures as the sophomore netted 12 points on the night, his fourth straight double-digit effort to open the season. Terrell Clyburn (Romulus, MI/Romulus) grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and collected three steals.
MCC returns to Iowa Western tomorrow for day two of the tournament as the Tigers take on Labette Community College at 3:00 PM.
