Marion, AL. – The MMI Tigers fought hard against the Bobcats of Jones College (JC) yesterday but took a 79-86 loss, their first of the 2022-23 season.

JC took an early lead to start the game while Marion fought hard to stay within reach. The Bobcats took their largest lead of the first half, 23-36, at the 9:10 mark when Anthony Bryant scored on a drive to the basket and Quandre Burroughs hit one of two free throws to cut the lead to ten. The Tigers defense stepped up with back-to-back charge calls, a blocked shot and a steal which gave Marion momentum, cutting their deficit back to six, 30-36.

With both teams trading baskets the next few minutes before intermission, Bryant drained two free throws to cut the lead to just one, 38-39. The Bobcats hit a deep three-pointer before the buzzer and held a 38-42 lead at the break.

Quandre Burroughs started the second half with a three-point basket and the Tigers from Marion kept JC within reach until an almost seven minute drought swung the momentum back to the visitors from Ellisville, Mississippi.

The Bobcats built their biggest lead, 58-74, with six minutes to play in regulation when MMI went on a run to get themselves back in the game. Burroughs hit another three-pointer and followed with a defensive steal, finding Isaiah Green cutting to the basket; Jones' lead was cut to eleven. Bryant got a steal on the Bobcats next possession and hit two free throws to cut the lead back to single digits.

At the 1:42 mark Jones College brought their lead back to eleven before Bryant was fouled on a three-point jumper for the rare four-point play; score 74-81. After turnovers by both teams, Burroughs hit a three at the top of the key with 41.4 seconds in the clock; score 77-81. With time running out the Tigers were forced to foul, and the Bobcats hit some key throws to keep the Tigers from claiming the comeback victory.

Anthony Bryant led Marion with 32 points while dishing out six assists. Quandre Burroughs finished with 24 points, two assists, and two steals. Elijah Marsh grabbed a team high six rebounds with four points. Rounding out the scoring for the Tigers – Eli Elston (11), Tyrone Wright (4), Isaiah Green (2), Myles McCalin (1).

MMI will host Talladega College Thursday, November 10, in the William R. Ireland Athletic Center for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off.