CLINTON, Miss. --- It took double overtime on Monday night in Gulf South Conference play as the Choctaws pulled out the thrilling victory over Valdosta State, winning by a final score of 106-101.

The Choctaws jumped out to an 18-point lead early in the first half, taking a 24-6 lead with 12:56 on the clock in the first half. Valdosta made a run of their own, climbing back into the game as both teams would go to the break with MC leading 49-46.

MC and VSU exchanged leads 12 times over the course of the contest with MC leading for 30:50 while Valdosta led for 15:03. At the end of regulation both teams were knotted up at 82-82, forcing overtime in Clinton.

In the first overtime time period, neither team could separate from the other, as both teams logged 10 points a piece in the five minute session. When the clock struck zero, both the Choctaws and Blazers remained tied up at 92-92, forcing double overtime.

In the second overtime period, the Choctaws were able to string together some baskets, outscoring VSU 14-9 in the final OT, as MC went on to win the overtime thriller by a final score of 106-101.

With the win, MC improves to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in GSC play. The Choctaws continued their win streak, moving to four wins in a row, and third straight win inside A.E. Wood Coliseum.

Galen Smith led MC with 29 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field and eight rebounds. Smith also managed one block and one steal on the night, while knocking down 11-of-12 free throws. 

Tradavis Thompson finished with 20 points, his fourth 20+ point game of the season, with seven rebounds, and two made three-pointers. Justin Reid picked up 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. 

Miles Miller and Ankerion Gross each finished with double-digit points scored in the win with Miller earning 13 points and Gross collecting 10 points. Miller capped off the night with a double-double after leading MC with 11 assists, his second consecutive game with double-digit assists, and seven rebounds. 

The Choctaws finished 36-of-72 from the floor as a team, tallying 44 points in the paint, and 26 points off of the bench in Monday night's GSC win. 

MC returns to action on Friday, December 2, on the road at Montevallo. The two teams tip-off beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Montevallo, Ala. Read Full Article