November 20, 2018: Men's Basketball

Perkinston, MS

Baton Rouge Bears cannot overcome an early deficit and fall to the Northeast Tigers 97 to 82, in the second day of the MGCCC Thanksgiving classic. The first eight minutes of the game were very sluggish on both ends, for both teams.  With 11:25 left in the first half, the Tigers had a 14 to 11 lead. Over the next six minutes the Tigers found their stroke, from the perimeter, with four three pointers.  They went on a 21 to 5 run to take their largest lead of the game at 18 points. The Bears did not quit. They stayed, in the half, by shooting 75% from the free throw line (9-12) and some clutch baskets by Eric Matthews, Prince Campbell and Javon Brazile. Javon Brazile hit a three pointer at the buzzer to bring the Bears within 10 points.  Halftime score was Northeast 44 and Baton Rouge 34.

Baton Rouge shot 35 % from the field, 50 % from downtown and 75 % from the free throw line, in the first half. Northeast shot 37 % from the field, 31 % from downtown and 68 % from the free throw line.  BRCC committed 18 turnovers compared to 9 by Northeast. Baton Rouge was led by Eric Matthews with 8 points and 5 a piece for Prince Campbell and Javon Brazile. Northeast was led by Felix Hayes with 10 points and  DeAnthony Tipler with 9 points at the half.

In the second half, the Bears hung around and came within 9 points with 12 minutes to play but that would be as close as the Bears would get. The Tigers increased their defensive pressure which led to easy transition buckets. The Bears were careless with the ball as the Tigers stole it 13 times, in the second half.  Northeast shot 56 % from the field (18-32) while the Bears shot 48% (14-29). The Tigers also took advantage of the Bears foul troubles to score 14 points from the free throw line.  They were 60% (14-23) from the free throw line in the second half. 

Jamarcus Jones scored 20 of his 21 points, in the second half, to lead the Tigers in scoring. DeAnthony Tipler added 19 and Felix Hayes finished with 15 for Northeast. Baton Rouge was led in scoring by Eric Matthews with 17 points and Caleb Hebert with 12 points.

With the loss the Bears fall to 1-6 on the season, as the Tigers improve to 5-0.

Bears Highlights:

Eric Matthews led all Bears with 17 points and 4 rebounds. He was 4 for 5 from the three point line. 

Caleb Hebert scored 12 points.

Brenden Vessel and Javon Brazile each scored 10 points.

The Bears will get a few days off for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  They will return to action on Tuesday November 27 at home, in the Bonne Santé Wellness Center, versus Pearl River Community College.  Tip is set for 6:30 pm.

For more information on the Bears follow @brccathletics and @BRCCMensBBall on Twitter or visit brccathletics.com