Marion, Al. – The MMI men's basketball team improved their conference record to 2-1 after defeating the Lions of Wallace State Community College-Hanceville at home yesterday evening by a score of 81-77.

The Tigers started the game with a lot of energy and built a quick lead, 11-2, after the first five minutes of play. They took their first double digit lead (17-4) off an Isaiah Green dunk and then extended it to 17 points, 21-4, with a layup by Green. The Lions would put together a small run before intermission and cut Marion's lead to just five points before Anthony Bryant hit a three-pointer before the buzzer sounded. MMI held a 34-26 lead at halftime.

Quandre Burroughs started the second half with a floater down the lane and helped the Tigers claim their double-digit lead again. Marion was able to keep the Lions at bay with a double-digit advantage until the visitors from Hanceville, Alabama cut the lead to nine points with under three minutes to play in regulation. Sophomore guard Myles McClain connected on a key three-pointer after crossing over his defender to get the lead back to ten points.

Wallace State hit a three-point basket at the 1:47 mark and Isaiah Green hit two free throws to once again give MMI a nine-point lead. Bryant was fouled and connected on one of two from the charity stripe; the Lions put back an offensive rebound and quickly took a timeout at the 34.5 second mark. MMI held a 77-71 lead.

After the Lions were forced to foul, the Tigers hit some key throws down the stretch to finish the game with the win.

All five starters finished scoring in double digits for MMI.  Quandre Burroughs led with 21 points while dishing out four assists. Eli Elston, Elijah Marsh, and Anthony Bryant each added 12 points; Elston finished with four assists, four rebounds, three steals and three blocks.  Myles McClain had a team high six rebounds with 10 points and three assists. Also scoring for the Tigers was Isaiah Green (8) and Tyrone Wright (6).

MMI will travel to Boaz, Alabama this Friday, December 2, for another ACCC North-South matchup against Snead State Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.