CLINTON, Miss. --- The Mississippi College women's basketball team opened Gulf South Conference play with a 61-58 win over the University of West Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 23 inside A.E. Wood Coliseum.
 
Four Lady Choctaws scored in double figures led by Zariah Matthews with 17 points. Mikeba Jones added 12 with 11 coming from Shanell Kitchens. Moriah Hurst wrapped up the foursome with 10 points. Hurst, Matthews and Coco Hobson tied for tops on the team with four rebounds.
 
MC shot 45.3 percent from floor, including going 5-for-16 from behind the arc. The Tigers shot 41.2 percent from the field.
 
Game Score: Mississippi College 61 | West Alabama 58
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019
Location: Clinton, Miss. | A.E. Wood Coliseum
Records: Lady Choctaws 2-2, 1-0 GSC | Tigers 3-1, 0-1 GSC
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Trailing 33-26 at the half, the Lady Choctaws outscored the Red and White 21-11 in the third quarter to hold a three-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
- The Tigers rallied to knot the contest at 54-all and later took the lead on an old-fashioned, 3-point play as Tazsa Garrett-Hammett drove to the goal on connected on a layup with 2:27 left to play. Hammett followed with a free throw to place UWA up 58-56.
- Matthews put the Navy and Gold up for good with a 3-pointer at the 1:24 mark. Matthews iced the contest with three ticks on the clock with a pair of free throws.
 
INSIDE THE BOX
- With the win, the Lady Choctaws took the lead in the all-time series at 14-13.
- The victory was the second straight in the series for the Lady Choctaws and 10th in the series.
- Both squads pounded the paint in scoring with 30 points each.
- The contest featured eight lead changes and had nine ties.
- West Alabama was just 1-for-13 from behind the arc.
 
NEXT UP
Mississippi College returns to action on Monday, Nov. 23 as it travels to Montevallo, Ala., for a GSC contest. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.