TALLADEGA, Ala. (Interstat) — The Tougaloo men’s basketball team built a large early lead and never trailed, defeating Talladega 84-70 in an NAIA game Monday night.

The visiting Bulldogs opened a 37-29 lead after the first quarter and maintained control throughout. Antonio Patterson led Tougaloo with 21 points. Shaun Walker scored a game-high 23 points for the Tornadoes in the loss.

Tougaloo shot 54.5% from the field and made 9 of 17 three-pointers. Talladega struggled at the free-throw line, making just 8 of 17 attempts.

Tougaloo improved to 14-5. Talladega fell to 10-8. The teams will meet again Feb. 9 in Mississippi.