The Purple Bulldogs steadily pulled away en route to the easy win in the first round of the 32nd annual Poplar Bluff Showdown on Thursday evening.

Tamaaury Releford, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, poured in a team-high 25 points and was Fayetteville's only player in double figures. Austin Garrett and Alonzo Releford added nine points each for the Purple'Dogs, who led 18-14 after one quarter, but was in control 60-34 after three.

Senior Collin Cooper sat out with a minor ankle sprain. Fayetteville (8-2) will face the Poplar Bluff-Memphis Central winner tonight at 7.