2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament: Murray, Rivers return, Tigers soar by Delta

The return of Marquel Murray and Matayo Rivers highlighted the Cape Central Tigers’ 113-48 win over the Delta Bobcats to open the 2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament.

Cape Central wasted no time as they raced out to a 28-8 lead after the first quarter.

A catalyst in the first-quarter onslaught was Rivers, who poured in eight of his 13 points in the opening frame.

The momentum built in the first-quarter carried into the second as the Tigers posted a 40-point quarter, behind a 12-point quarter from Murray.

“It was just nice to have them back,” Tigers coach Drew Church said. “Marquel is very unselfish. I think as they continue to get in the flow and get in shape, our chemistry will be a little better.”

The Tigers led 68-18 at the half, but out of the locker room the Bobcats competed hard in the second half.

Delta was able to get hot from three-point range as they knocked down five triples in the quarter as they trailed 96-43 after three.

“I thought it was pretty sloppy,” Church said. “I give Delta credit. They’re a good basketball team. They push the ball and they take good shots and I thought our defense struggled. That’s a credit to them because we didn’t stop the dribble drive very well.”

Despite the struggles on the defensive end for the Tigers, Church was happy with what he saw on offense.

“They’re unselfish,” Church said. “When you can do that it makes you tougher to guard. Overall, I was pleased.”

Cape Central’s offense was led by Murray who posted a game-high 24 points in the win for the Tigers.

Following up Murray’s big morning was Tyseandre’ Edwards with 22 points for the Tigers.

Delta was led by Ryan Jeffries who had 17 points on five made threes in the loss.

As far as the defensive struggles go, Church said it comes down to his guys digging in on that end of the court.

“I don’t think we tweak anything gameplan wise,” Church said. “Our guys just have to do it. We have to guard our yard, be off in help, not let the ball be reversed and switch ball screens. I think as we continue some of that will get better.”

Delta (2-5) moves into the consolation bracket where the Bobcats will battle the loser of Scott City and Oran at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Central (5-3) advances to take on the winner of Scott City and Oran at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

“Both of those teams are really well-coached,” Church said. “I haven’t got to see either of them play yet but we will do that tonight and then come in and workout tomorrow before the game.”