Marion, AL. – The MMI men's basketball defeated the Bears of Bevill State Community College in their re-match game last night by a score of 76-61.

Derrick Hutchins, Jr. scored Marion's first two points of the contest on his way to an 18-point performance, including eight-for-ten from the free throw line.

Bevill State took their first lead with under 15 minutes to play in the first half and held that lead for the next 11 minutes.  Nyrek Wheeler gave the Tigers the lead back, 24-23, and Myles McClain followed with a basket to build the home team's lead to four points.  Bevill connected on some shots late in the period and after both teams traded baskets, MMI led 32-31 heading into intermission.

MMI missed on their first possession of the second period and the Bears tied the game after making one of two free throws.  Hutchins scored to give MMI the lead back.  Bevill State tied the game on the next possession before Marion went on a run thanks to the play of sophomore Kenney Gaines, Jr.  With 14:15 on the clock, Gaines hit two free throws and then scored on MMI's next four possessions. Tigers led 52-42.

The Bears made several attempts to cut into the lead, but MMI held a double-digit lead, 69-59, with 1:01 on the clock.  The Bears sent Jordan Long and Hutchins to the charity stripe and the two ended the game making seven of eight free throws to secure the win.

Gaines, Jr. led MMI with 24 points and Myles McClain added 13 points. Rounding out the scoring for the Tigers: Jordan Long (6), Brandon Jackson (6), Dimari Flynn (5), and Nyrek Wheeler (4).

MMI will travel to Monroeville, Alabama this Friday, February 4, for an ACCC North-South match-up against Coastal Alabama CC-North.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.