Foul Trouble Dooms Greyhounds on the Road
Riding a four-game winning streak, and with the opportunity to avenge an earlier loss in front of them last night on the road, the MSCC Greyhounds had to feel pretty good before their game against Jackson State last night.
By Chuck Livingston
The Evening Times Sports Editor
MSCC Sports Information
Riding a four-game winning streak, and with the opportunity to avenge an earlier loss in front of them last night on the road, the MSCC Greyhounds had to feel pretty good before their game against Jackson State last night.
However, four of MSCC's post players fouled out and the Greyhounds never got into rhythm offensively, which added up to a frustrating 103-80 loss on the road.
Jackson State had previously topped MSCC (8-5 overall) at the RJ Young Tipoff Classic at The Dog House in November. That game was a 87-70 decision that dropped the Greyhounds to 1-1.
Jackson State (9-3) became just the second team to hit the century mark against MSCC this season. The Greyhounds lost both of those games.
MSCC got 21 points from freshman Tasmania Jones, 16 points from freshman Kaylon Tappin, 11 from Shaquille Culbreath, eight from Tony White and seven from John Braxton.
On the other end, Jackson State put five players into double-digits, led by Broderick Davis' 22 points and Ramiel Pollard's 21.
The significance of losing those big men was no mystery for MSCC head coach Chris Parker.
"It hurt us, obviously," admitted Parker after the game. "We had trouble guarding their bigs, and had little presence in keeping their guards out of the paint. But we played just like we practiced this week, which wasn't good, so hopefully we learn to create better habits so we can get better results."
MSCC's recent streak of good play was an upside on the court, but Parker was of the belief that it affected their preparation for the Jackson State contest.
"We have to learn how to handle success, just as you have to learn how to handle failure. This is simply an opportunity for us to learn," added Parker.
MSCC will get another opportunity for revenge on Saturday when St. Louis Community College comes to The Dog House for a 4 p.m. tipoff.
The Greyhounds dropped a hard-fought 85-80 decision in St. Louis in the team's last meeting. Before the game against Jackson State, it was MSCC's last loss.
"We lost to them at their place earlier this year, so we know that they are a good team," said Parker of his team's next game. "It will be a challenge to bounce back from this, but it's also an opportunity to see how quickly we can learn and adjust."
The men's game will be preceded by a women's game against Dyersburg State Community College. That game will begin at 2 p.m.
Tickets cost $5 at the gate, or $3 with a valid student ID card.