TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Shelton State used a dominant first quarter to build a substantial lead and never looked back, defeating East Mississippi 88-69 in a men’s junior college basketball game Monday night.

The Buccaneers erupted for 42 points in the opening period, establishing a 20-point cushion that the Lions could not overcome despite a more competitive second half. Shelton State improved its record to 3-1, while East Mississippi suffered its first loss of the season, falling to 4-1.

The game was decided early as Shelton State’s offense operated with high efficiency. The Buccaneers scored 88 points on 83 possessions, an offensive rating of 105.6, and shot 46 percent from the floor. East Mississippi, by contrast, managed an offensive rating of just 81.5, shooting 37 percent overall and a frigid 22 percent from beyond the arc.

King Larkin led a balanced Shelton State attack with 18 points in just 21 minutes of play. Bryant Aijero recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Shah Hall anchored the defense with five blocks to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. Rodwick Jackson and Devin Bowers provided significant sparks off the bench, scoring 12 and 13 points, respectively.

For East Mississippi, Diovion Famakinde shouldered the scoring load with a game-high 22 points. Jordan Alexander added 16 points, and DeAndre Lewis contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. The Lions were hampered by poor free-throw shooting, converting just 23 of 35 attempts from the line.

Shelton State also controlled the glass, outrebounding East Mississippi 45-31, which included a 12-8 advantage on the offensive boards. Both teams struggled with ball security, committing 19 turnovers apiece.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again in a rematch on Dec. 1 at East Mississippi.

East Mississippi will next play on Nov. 27 at Three Rivers, while Shelton State returns to action on Nov. 24 at home against Copiah-Lincoln.