CLAKSDALE—It was a disappointing opening night to the 2014-15 season for CCC basketball Monday night. Both the women and the men faltered against East Central CC last night, failing to overcome early deficits and ultimately losing by double digits.
The Lady Tigers fell in the night's first game by a final of 92-64. East Central used a stifling press and some hot shooting to open up a sizeable lead early on. The Lady Warriors finished the first half shooting 58% from the field, including 41% from beyond the arc, and led 46-29 at the break.
CCC suffered some some bad luck in the second half. Josta Totten, who finished the game with 12 points and 11 assists, was sidelined briefly with a leg injury and then fouled out on a disputed call shortly after returning. Without their point guard, the Lady Tigers fared even worse against the Lady Warrior press. ECCC forced 22 turnovers on the night and put in 20 points after CCC giveaways.
Erica Collins paced the Lady Tigers in scoring. She managed 20 points in only 22 minutes played. Gabrielle Gilbert led the team in rebounding, pulling down 13 boards in 39 minutes of action.Â
The men fared slightly better in their matchup, especially in the early going. The Tigers fell behind 13-6 early but chipped the ECCC lead to 3 a few minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, the Warriors were able to put down the CCC comeback effort with a 65% field goal percentage in the second half.
The Tigers were led by Lee Academy graduate Cameron Monix. The sophomore point guard went off for 14 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in 34 minutes of work. Demarcus Bracey put in 11 points of his own on 5 of 8 shooting. Their efforts, though, were not quite enough. ECCC rode a stellar performance by Quinton Campbell (28 points in 32 minutes) to a 75-55 victory.
Both the Lady Tigers and the Tigers are back in action at home on Thursday vs. Hinds CC. The ladies are slated to start at 6 pm and the men are scheduled for 8. The Hinds' women and men both dropped their season opener to Mississippi Delta CC on Monday.
