DYERSBURG, Tenn. (Interstat) — Southwest Tennessee earned its first victory of the season Wednesday night, holding off Dyersburg State 83-78 in a men’s junior college basketball game. The Saluqis, who led by as many as 15 points, withstood a late Eagles rally to improve to 1-7. Dyersburg State fell to 1-10.

Jeremiah Hayes powered Southwest Tennessee with 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Dominic Taylor added 17 points. The Saluqis built their lead with a 51-point second quarter and sealed the win at the free-throw line, making 19 of 23 attempts. Southwest Tennessee also forced 14 steals. The Eagles, who were projected as favorites by statistical models, could not complete the comeback despite outscoring the Saluqis 44-34 after halftime.