East Mississippi knocks off MGCCC 90-79 @ MACJC State Tournament

Travis Rasco's 22 points weren't enough to help MGCCC defeat East Miss. at the MACJC State Tournament Feb. 22.

SCOOBA---In the end, a huge early deficit and being on the road was too much for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to overcomeat the MACJC State Tournament. The top-seeded East Mississippi Lions (22-4) jumped out to a huge lead and defeated Gulf Coast (17-9) 90-79 in the opening round of the single elimination event featuring the top four teams from each division of the MACJC. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak by the Bulldogs heading into the post-season.

Last year in Ellisville, East Miss. knocked off the eventual NJCAA Region 23 champion Gulf Coast in the first round of that event.

East Mississippi went on an 18-2 run in the first half to blow the game open and held a 48-28 lead at halftime. Gulf Coast, the No. 4 seed out of the South Division, cut the lead to single digits several times but couldn't get any closer down the stretch. Travis Rasco led the Bulldogs with 22 points. The Bulldogs will now have to wait and see if they'll be playing in next week's Region 23 Tournament in Clinton.