FORT MEYERS, FL – The new look Hinds Community College Bulldogs were on full display Friday afternoon (Nov. 1) as they took down the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) number five ranked Eastern Florida State College Titans 71-52 in the season opener.

The Bulldogs dominated the contest from start to finish. Hinds jumped out to a 37 to 22 lead in the first half, and went on to expand that lead in the second half to secure their first win of the season. The Bulldogs 19-point victory is third-year head coach Yusef Fitzgerald's first win over a top-five ranked opponent in his tenure at Hinds. It is also his second victory over a top-15 ranked team in the past two seasons.

"This win comes from the effort and consistency our staff has built since taking over the program three years ago. It is also a culmination of our players buying in to our staff and our culture. It is evident that this team believes in each other and wants to play together for one common goal," said Fitzgerald. 

On offense, ten Bulldogs scored points and contributed in the blowout victory. Dontrell McQuarter led the way as he scored 22 points. Jerrez Porter, Jordan Johnson, and Ladarius Marshall also contributed as each tallied eight points apiece. Porter and Marshall dominated the glass as they combined for 11 rebounds.

On defense, the Bulldogs imposed their will on the Titans as they forced 26 turnovers. In contrast, the Bulldogs only turned the ball over 10 times.

"The turnover margin and the way our guys played on the defensive side of the ball was the difference in this game," added Fitzgerald.

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 1-0 on the season. They will be back on the court tomorrow (Nov. 2) as they will take on Broward College in Fort Meyers, Florida at 1 p.m.

Follow @HindsCC_MBB on twitter for updates throughout their season.