Wallace State men's basketball's strong defense fuels conference win over Marion Military Institute

HANCEVILLE, ALA. – One of Wallace State’s men’s top defensive efforts of the season resulted in the Lions’ first conference victory against Marion Military Institute on Thursday night.
The Lions, who held the Tigers scoreless until the 12:21 mark in the first half, prevailed 64-45 at Tom Drake Coliseum, tying the fewest points allowed this season to an opponent.
In fact, Wallace State (10-10, 1-1 Alabama Community College Conference) has yielded a season-low 45 points in consecutive games. The Lions dropped their conference opener by one point at Gadsden State on Tuesday.
“We guarded well. We talked about how no one wants to be in a 0-2 hole in conference. We didn’t want to put ourselves in that position, especially after losing at Gadsden State. We had to protect our home court and make sure we got this win,” said Wallace State coach John Meeks. “It’s about nightly championships right now. We don’t talk about moving forward. We don’t talk about the next opponent. We talk about what it takes to win each game that night.”
Wallace State, the defending ACCC/Region 22 champions, started the game on a 12-0 surge, getting four points apiece from Immanuel King and Kriston Beasley.
Marion Military’s Malik Musgrove finally ended the Tigers’ scoring drought with a tough jumper in the lane with 12:21 left in the first half.
Wallace State pushed its lead to 23-8 with 7:44 to go in the first half after Kylen Butler nailed a 3-pointer from the left corner.
The Lions enjoyed a 32-14 cushion at the break, and Marion Military never got closer than within 15 points in the second half.
“We have to guard. We don’t have a choice because we can’t put a lot of points on the board. We really have to zone in and defend and we did that tonight,” Meeks said.  “I’m proud of this effort. Any conference win is a good win.”
Four Wallace State players finished with double figures, including Jacob Barrett and King, who both notched career highs with 13 points apiece. Butler finished with 12 for the Lions, and Kriston Beasley scored all 10 of his points in the first half.
Christian Bradford led Marion Military in the loss with 11 points. Musgrove and Miles Perdue each added 10.
Both Wallace State basketball teams host rival Shelton State at Tom Drake Coliseum on Tuesday. The women’s game begins at 5:30 p.m.
Before Shelton State, the Lady Lions host L.B. Wallace in a non-conference game at 2 p.m. Saturday.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit wallacestate.edu.