CLARKSDALE - The Basketball Tigers could not overcome a relentless Arkansas Baptist fast break attack Tuesday at home, falling to the Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes by a final of 108-81. Jonathan Ankston finished with 10 points and 2 assists for CCC.
Arkansas Baptist seized an early lead in the first half and did not take their foot off the gas pedal. LaTerrence Henderson and Rufus Wilkins did their best to keep CCC in the ball game, combining for 16 in the first half, but they could not prevent the Buffs from opening up a 50-39 halftime advantage. The visitors would start the 2nd on a 16-6 run to run away with the contest.
The Buffs' well-balanced attack featured 6 players in double figures. Ruston Hayward was the game-high scorer with 23.
Arkansas Baptist improved to 4-0 on the season. The CCC men finished the homestand 1-1 but fell to 1-3 on the season.
Head coach Michael Stringer reflected on his first homestand as the CCC men's head coach.
"Against Meridian, we came in with a lot more intensity on the defensive end, and we did a lot better," the head coach said of his first CCC win. The 94-80 home victory vs. the Eagles came Monday evening.
Turning his attention to the Arkansas Baptist game, Stringer said: "They scored a lot of their points in transition. I've got to do a better job of preparing our guys to stop them in transition. But overall I think we're right where we need to be. I'm very excited about the fans and the support. I saw a lot of staff and community members out here to support the Tigers."
The CCC men travel to Shreveport this weekend for the Southern Classic vs. Southern University-Shreveport and Bossier Parish CC. They will battle Southern on Friday at 8 and Bossier Saturday at 2. They return home Monday vs. East Central CC.
Live streams for both games will be available through coahomasports.com.
