TUPELO - The Tupelo Golden Wave and the Shannon Red Raiders had already played a combined six basketball games prior to their meeting Tuesday.

Afterward, it now feels like the official welcome to the 2011-12 season.

In front of a packed house at Tupelo, the Red Raiders' defensive effort proved to be the difference as they hung on to claim a 63-56 victory over the Wave.

"With an atmosphere like this, it doesn't take much to get up for this game," Shannon coach Cedric Brim said. "This was a great win for Shannon.

"It's kind of like bragging rights. And I told the guys I was proud of their defense."

Shannon (3-0) needed every edge it could get as the two squads battled to a 27-27 tie at the half. Then in the third quarter, Shannon reeled off a 9-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Lakee Westbrook, for a 40-33 lead.

A Rashon Coleman basket to open the fourth quarter pulled Tupelo within 42-39. The Raiders responded with an 8-0 spurt, with two Javon Green free throws giving Shannon a 50-39 edge.

Tupelo (2-3) pulled within 55-50 with 1 minute, 44 seconds left on a Coleman free shot, but a driving layup by Westbrook broke the Tupelo momentum as Shannon went on for the win.

"We battled, had the lead, then turned the ball over," Tupelo coach Grant Pate said. "They got transition points, and that was the key in the ball game.

"We have to do a better job taking care of the ball."

Westbrook led Shannon with 20 points. Dajon Reno scored 18 for Tupelo.

Shannon hosts Tupelo on Dec. 6.

(G) Tupelo 61, Shannon 42: The Lady Wave (5-0) pushed to the lead in the second quarter, and never looked back.

Antoinette Riddle scored 15 for Tupelo, and Aushiana Ivy had 20 for Shannon (0-2).