FLORENCE, Ala. --- The Mississippi College women's basketball team cut an 11-point deficit down to one in the final minutes, but the University of North Alabama was able to pull away for a 78-69 victory on Monday night in Flowers Hall.

The Lady Choctaws (6-6, 2-6 GSC) fell behind 17-12 in the opening minutes of the game, but a 9-0 run gave them a 21-17 advantage mid-way through the first half. The Lions (7-4, 4-3 GSC) would grab the lead back and make the score 32-30 at the half.

In the second period, UNA jumped out to a 65-54 lead with 9:21 remaining, but the Lady Choctaws would go on a 13-3 run, capped off by a layup by junior Kristen Sampson, who led all scorers with 21 points. She was 7-of-10 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the contest.

After MC cut the lead to 68-67, UNA answered with a 5-0 run and pulled away late for the victory. Jennifer Towne and Mekena Randle led the Lions with 19 points apiece, while Towne picked up a double-double with 10 boards, as well.

Sophomore Zanenta Kubicka had eight pints and six rebounds for MC, while junior Ashley Minor, who sat out most of the first half in foul trouble, ahd 11 pionts and three assists. Sampson also had six rebounds and three assists in the game.

The Lady Choctaws had one of their better shooting nights of the season, going 25-of-52 (48%) from the field and 7-of-12 (58%) from the three-point line.

MC will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they return home to face Shorter University at 2:00 p.m. in A.E. Wood Coliseum.