Tallahassee tamed by East Mississippi on day one of Best Western Holiday Classic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (December 30, 2013) – East Mississippi Community College unleashed a three-point barrage during the opening 20 minutes against FCSAA No. 4 Tallahassee Community College and defeated the Eagles, 79-70, on day one of the Best Western Holiday Classic.

The Lions (6-1) hit 7-of-14 from long distance in the first half and finished the game 8-of-18 on three-pointers.

Meanwhile, after surging to a 20-14 lead, Tallahassee was outscored 27-7 over the final 11 minutes of the first half and trailed 41-27 at the intermission.

The Eagles pulled within five (52-47) on Cameron Naylor's three-pointer at the 11:57 mark of the second half but got no closer.

Naylor and Earvin Morris scored 18 points each to lead Tallahassee. Naylor also pulled down ten rebounds. Marlon Johnson and Dirk Williams added ten points each.

Jacolby Mobley scored 24 points off the bench to lead East Mississippi, as the Lions' reserves outscored their Tallahassee counterparts, 43-28.

The loss snapped Tallahassee's five-game winning streak and dropped the Eagles to 10-5 heading into Tuesday's non-conference finale against Gadsden State (Ala.) Community College.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Gadsden State dropped a 90-68 decision to Eastern Florida State College on Monday.

Eastern Florida State and East Mississippi will play the 2 p.m. game on Tuesday.