Unconquered

Eagle men out-muscle MMI to win home opener and remain unbeaten

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (November 8, 2013) - The Tallahassee Community College Eagles won their home opener against Marion (Ala.) Military Institute by a score of 62-51 on Friday evening. 

The No. 23 Eagles came into their first game of the TCC Tip-Off Classic with a 2-0 overall record, looking to remain unbeaten against Marion (Ala.) Military Institute. MMI came in with a 1-0 record after putting up 96 points against Enterprise State (Ala.) Community College on Tuesday. Only one team could remain undefeated at the end of the night.

Earvin Morris began the game with a hot hand, hitting three three-pointers right out of the gate. He had four in the first half and was the game's leading scorer at the time with 13 points. Morris finished the game with 17 points.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, MMI got some shots to fall as well, shooting 50% from the field midway through the first half. Early on the Tigers were able to get to the basket with ease and put the Eagles in foul trouble. MMI also had a big advantage on the glass, out-rebounding Tallahassee, 23-14, in the first half. Despite the disadvantages the scoreboard indicated a close game. The Eagles trailed MMI by two at the half with a score of 29-27.

At halftime, Tallahassee head coach Eddie Barnes said that the Eagles needed to be more aggressive on the glass.

"We got one team that's ready to play and one team that's trying to play," Barnes said heading back into the locker room.

Playing aggressive was exactly what the Eagles did to begin the second half.

Instead of relying on perimeter shots, TCC was able to get the ball down low for some high percentage looks. The Eagles used their size to dominate the low post, muscled their way inside and boxed out hard to grab boards.

The Eagles were able to get the lead and keep it. A few clutch shots along with a monster dunk by Duran Porter solidified the win.

The Eagles improve to a record of 3-0 and look forward to Saturday's game against Faulkner State (Ala.) Community College. Faulkner State had lost their first game of the TCC Tip-Off Classic to the Santa Fe College Saints by a score of 75-63.  

Saturday's tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. eastern at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome.

Following the games both days, fans are invited to attend the Postgame Party with the Eagles served by Applebee's. This weekend's postgame party will take place at Applebee's located at 1400 Village Square Blvd., just north of I-10 on Thomasville Road. 

Fans who bring a game program to the store will receive 10% off any full-price menu item. Applebee's will also be offering half-price appetizers after 10 p.m. both days.

Tallahassee Community College Athletics would like to thank the Leon County Tourist Development Council for its support of the TCC Tip-off Classic.