The CCC Tiger Basketball made a late run but ultimately fell to East Central 97-79 in the season opener Monday in Decatur. Monte Martin and LaTerrence Henderson each finished with 20 points with for the Tigers, who shot 65.6% from the field in the 2nd period but could not overcome a 16-point halftime deficit.

The Warriors took control of the game early, building a 42-26 halftime advantage on the strength of 6 3-pointers. The home squad would be led by sophomore Prince McDaniel, who finished with 26 points (7-10 FG, 4-7 3-PT FG) in 27 minutes.

Monte Martin and LaTerrence Henderson helped keep the Tigers within striking distance by combining for 40 of the team's 79 points. Martin was effective in the paint, grabbing 7 rebounds, and scoring 13 of his 20 in the second half to lead a Tiger charge. Henderson, a sophomore from Friars Point, set a new personal CCC career-high by going off for 20, including a driving floater to cut the East Central lead to 72-65 with under 8 to go. 

But the home team proved too much down the stretch. The Warriors shot over 70% from the line on the evening and closed the game on a 25-14 run to walk away with their 1st victory of the season.

Rufus Wilkins finished with 10 points and Da'Quan Forrest chipped in 9 on 3 3-pointers in the season-opening effort.

The Tigers will reset and head to Utica on Thursday to take on Hinds. Tip is slated for 8 pm.

A live stream will be available on coahomasports.com.

For photos from the game vs. East Central, click HERE.