MONTEVALLO, Ala. --- The Mississippi College women's basketball team fell 68-55 in Gulf South Conference action at the University of Montevallo on Friday, Dec. 2. MC moved to 2-6 on the season and 1-4 in conference play while the Falcons improved to 2-7 and 2-3 in the league.
 
Kyiah Julian posted nine points while Brett Gardner added eight to lead the Choctaw in scoring in the contest. Keller Bigham pulled down a team-best 11 rebounds. It is the second time this season the Warren, Ark., freshman has posted double figure boards.
 
MC shot 30.8 percent from the field, but struggled from the 3-point and free-throw lines on the night. The Blue and Gold managed 29.2 percent from behind the arc and connected on 53.3 percent from the charity stripe. The Choctaw did hold the advantage on the glass as it outrebounded UM 36-34.
 
The Blue and Gold held a 21-9 lead following the first 10 minutes of action. The 21 points in the first quarter marked a season-high in the opening period for the Blue and Gold. Its previous high was 17 points last week against Valdosta State. MC closed out the quarter on a 14-2 run as seven players scored during the period led by Julian with seven points. However, it found itself knotted at 33-all heading into the intermission as the Purple and Gold repaid the favor in the second stanza as it doubled up the Choctaw, 24-12.
 
The two teams battled through the first five minutes of the third period as they exchanged leads and ties, but UM gained the upperhand at the 2:32 mark of the period as Isabel Grimes her team up 46-40. Marisa Snodgrass gave the Falcons their double-digit lead, 56-46, with 7:34 left in the game with a 3-pointer off a turnover. MC cut the deficit back to single digits behind a pair of free throws from Sky Vaughn, but the Purple and Gold pushed the lead back out to double figures with three minutes left to play.
 
Anna Katherine Eastman led the way with 13 points as three Falcons scored in double figures. McCarley Northway added 11 while Miriam Oldacre supplied 10 points. Leisha Steger paced the team on the glass with seven boards. UM finished the night shooting 36.2 percent from the floor and a 23.3 clip from the 3-point line. The Falcons connected on 30-of-37 of their chances from the free-throw line to capture a 81.1 clip.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Sunday, Dec. 4 as it travels to the Alabama State Capitol. Tip against Auburn Montgomery is at 2 p.m.
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