CLARKSDALE—The CCC Tigers fell last night at home to East Mississippi by a final of 81-66. Demarcus Bracey, Willie Bronson, Anthony Dorsey, and LaTerrence Henderson all scored in double figures for CCC, but it was not enough to overcome an East Mississippi team that shot 55% from the field in the second half.
Bracey, who missed the Tigers' January 8th contest in Utica, came out with plenty of energy. The sophomore from Drew, MS poured in 13 points, 11 of them in the first half, on 6-of-7 shooting from the field. He was a beast on the offensive glass, pulling in 4 of his 5 total rebounds on the East Mississippi end, and made his presence known on the defensive end as well, recording 2 blocks and 1 steal in front of a charged-up Tiger crowd. It was the 7th time this season that Bracey has recorded at least 8 points and the 3rd time that he has racked up at least 2 blocks in a contest.
The Tigers shot the ball 43% from the field and 63% from the line in the first half, good enough for a 1-point lead heading into the locker room.
East Mississippi came out roaring in the second period, opening play after the break on a 20-0 run. The Lions were keyed by their guard combo of Antonio Finley and La'Datren Deas, who each finished with 23 points. Finley was particularly effective from deep, draining 7 of his 16 3-point attempts. The Meridian native also recorded 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
After falling behind 52-33, the Tigers were able to reduce the deficit, rallying to within 9 after Dorsey's 5th and final field goal of the night. But they would not get closer than that. East Mississippi reeled off an 8-0 run that featured a dagger-style 3 from Finley to seal the win.
The Lions outshot the Tigers 36% to 19% from beyond the arc, though just 45% to 39% from the field overall. Bronson ended up with 11, the 8th time he's been in double figures this season, and Henderson racked up 12 to cross into double digits for the 5th time this year. Newcomer Rufus Wilkins led the team in rebounds with 8.
CCC now stands at 1-11 overall. The team is still seeking its first win in MACJC North play. East MS CC moved to 10-3 with the victory.
The Tigers return to the court for their homecoming game Saturday, January 17th vs. Southern University-Shreveport. The game will be played in the Pinnacle and will feature a number of festivities, including the induction of Charles Presley and Carla Lucas-Whitfield into the CCC Hall of Fame. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 pm.
A live stream of the game will be available on coahomasports.com.
For photos from the contest vs. EMCC, please click HERE.
