The task of turning disappointment into momentum begins this weekend for the Marshalltown Community College men's basketball team.

The Tigers are coming off a pair of disheartening losses as they head into the Emerson JUCO Challenge Presented by Hampton Inn.

MCC (6-6) hosts Rock Valley (4-3) on Saturday before facing Milwaukee Tech (6-2) on Sunday, with both games tipping at 4 p.m.

Play in the tournament starts tonight at 4 p.m. and runs through Sunday night.

With losses to State Fair CC (60-56) and NJCAA Division II No. 4 Kirkwood CC (60-55) in the last week, Marshalltown is in need of some positive reinforcement.

"In the long run, I think this is only going to make us better and I hope it does," said MCC head coach Brynjar Brynjarsson of the recent troubles. "For the sake of our guys' mentality, we need to have some 'W's show up as well."

"We had a pretty good practice (Wednesday) and we had a good practice (Thursday)," he added. "Competed hard both ways. We spent some time watching film, hopefully we'll learn some things from that.

"Some guys owned some things they could have done better, and it's always good when we take ownership, but I thought we did a good job trying to learn from it and try to move on and try to get better."

After starting the season 0-3, Rocky Valley reeled off four straight victories.

The Eagles have averaged 77 points per game during their winning streak.

"They're trying to attack the rim, penetrate and get in there," said Brynjarsson. "But they've had some big scores of late and have been playing better."

As for Milwaukee Tech, its won five of its last six contests as it heads to the Student Activity Center.

"They get after it," noted Byrnjarsson.

The Stormers have five players averaging at least nine points per game in Patrick Zemanovic (15.2), Clem Robinson (13.0), Tevin Rumley (10.9), Chris Robinson (9.9) and Rishaad Alexander (9.1).

MATC fell to ICCAC DII member Ellsworth 96-75 before turning around and beating the Panthers 91-78 a week later. The Stormers also defeated ICCAC DII's NIACC, 94-88.

The Stormers haven't scored fewer than 70 points in a game this season.

Marcus Bell and Matej Delinac have led the way offensively the past two contests for MCC. Delinac is averaging 14 ppg and Bell, an Idaho recruit, 13.

Ellsworth and Clark College (WA) tipoff play this afternoon at 4 p.m. There are a total of 14 different men's teams playing in a tournament that will feature 13 men's and 10 women's games over three days.

While the Tigers will be trying to wash the taste of the last two losses out of their mouths, they'll also be looking to head home with their heads held high once the semester ends and a month-long break begins after a road trip to Southeastern CC on Dec. 10.

"I think it's always important to go home with a pretty good feeling with about what you're trying to do and how you've been playing," said Brynjarsson. "I think it's important we get a good feeling with a 'W.' The guys were disappointed, but at the same time, they're ready for two tough games this weekend."