CLINTON, Miss. – In need of a victory, the Mississippi College Choctaws delivered with a 70-62 performance over the Auburn Montgomery Warhawks on Sunday afternoon at A.E. Wood Coliseum.

The Choctaws (6-4, 2-2 Gulf South Conference) came out strong in the first half, leading 37-32 at the break. Despite a competitive second half where the Warhawks (4-5, 1-3 GSC) led by as much as six points, Mississippi College maintained its composure and secured the win.

Rashad Bolden led the way for the Choctaws, pouring in 30 points while also contributing six rebounds and four assists. Judah Land added 12 points, including six free throws, and Tyree Bracey dominated on the boards with 10 rebounds to go along with five points.

Auburn Montgomery's offense was led by Chappelle Whitney, who scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Talib Ferrette added 13 points, and Malachi Rhodes finished with seven points and seven rebounds in the losing effort.

The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams exchanging leads eight times. Auburn Montgomery shot 34.6% from the field, including just 31.8% from beyond the arc, while Mississippi College shot 39.6% overall and 36.0% from three-point range.

In the first half, the Choctaws took advantage of solid free-throw shooting, converting 14 of 16 attempts (87.5%). Meanwhile, the Warhawks struggled at times offensively, shooting 50% from the field but only 33.3% from three-point range.

The Warhawks made a late push in the second half, but Bolden's scoring and timely free throws helped the Choctaws stave off the Warhawks. Mississippi College finished 19 of 24 from the free-throw line (79.2%), a key factor in their victory.

In addition to Bolden's offensive outburst, Bracey's 10 rebounds helped the Choctaws dominate on the glass, finishing with 40 rebounds compared to Auburn Montgomery's 35.

The Choctaws will return to action on Thursday night, traveling to face the UAH Chargers at 7:30 p.m. as they continue their Gulf South Conference schedule.

Mississippi College 70, Auburn Montgomery 62
Box Score
Mississippi College (6-4, 2-2 GSC): Rashad Bolden 30, Judah Land 12, Tyree Bracey 5, Odis Carter 5, Tremaine Dixon 9
Auburn Montgomery (4-5, 1-3 GSC): Chappelle Whitney 22, Talib Ferrette 13, Malachi Rhodes 7, Arion Lewis 7, Gilbert Croley 4