Dyersburg, Tenn. – The Cord Wright era at Northeast Mississippi Community College got off to a promising start, but the Tigers fell just short of claiming Wright's first victory as a collegiate head coach.

Dyersburg State Community College used an early second half run to pull away from the Tigers and win the season opener for both teams 92-79 on Saturday at E.H. Lannom Gymnasium.

Back-to-back three-point baskets by Corriquez Green and Jake Martin spurred a quick 13-2 run by the Eagles less than six minutes after the break. Dyersburg State built its lead as large as 66-48 with 14:25 to play after another Martin trey.

The Eagles (1-0) took the majority of their shots from behind the arc and connected on 19 occasions. Marius Williams was 5 of 8 from that distance and finished tied with a game-high 21 points.

Dimario Jackson matched Williams' total in his first outing for the black and gold. He was an outstanding 15 of 16 from the charity stripe and led a Northeast (0-1) team that made 79-percent of its free throws.

Al Azulphar was also 11 of 12 on freebie attempts and tallied 15 points. Sophomore Cameron Shorty added 14 to round out the double-digit scorers for the Tigers.

Cannon Edwards dropped a three-ball for Northeast's initial points of the 2013 campaign. However, it was the Tigers' only made shot from that range the entire evening.

Late baskets by Dexter Stafford and Darius Leach helped Northeast pull within 48-42 at halftime, but the Tigers could not get any closer once play resumed.

Northeast returns to the court tonight (Monday, November 4) and continues an early road slate at Gadsden State. Tipoff in Gadsden, Ala., is set for 5:30 p.m. for the women's 2013-14 lid lifter with the men to follow.