GADSDEN (Interstat) — The Gadsden State Cardinals opened their men’s junior college basketball season with an 80-67 victory over the Pellissippi State Panthers on Saturday. The Cardinals, who were projected as favorites to win, improved to 1-0, while the Panthers begin the season 0-1. Gadsden State took control with a 48-point first half, building a lead that Pellissippi State could not overcome despite a stronger second-half performance. The Panthers’ next game is Nov. 8 at Dyersburg State.