NMCC falls in opening round of Dyersburg tourney

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- Despite a solid effort, New Madrid County Central lost its first-round game 53-44 to the host team in the Dyersburg Regional Tri-State Christmas Tournament on Monday.

Dyersburg held a three-point halftime advantage, then extended the lead to nine at the end of the third quarter.

"We gave a good effort," said NMCC coach Scott Kruse. "They're (Dyersburg) tough to play at home and they've got a nice program. They went on a run in the third quarter and pulled away and got a nine-point lead. We never could get closer than about four or six."

Laterrance Newsom and Joseph Howell shared scoring honors for the Eagles with 10 points apiece.

NMCC (2-5) meets Brighton (Tenn.) in a losers bracket contest at 2:30 today.