CLEVELAND, Miss. --- Mississippi College (13-12, 12-9 GSC) went on the road to face instate rival Delta State (14-11, 12-9 GSC) at Walter Sillers Coliseum Wednesday evening, falling to the Statesmen by a final of 78-68.
The Statesmen kicked off the scoring with a two-point jumper courtesy of Chris Terell, only to have the Choctaws raise the stakes with a three-pointer from Cam Brown.
The opening minutes of the game unfolded in a competitive exchange, highlighted by a three-pointer from Lucas Heflen and a layup by Anthony Ratliff Jr. Yet, the Statesmen seized momentum with an 8-point scoring streak, fueled by two crucial three-pointers from KB. Consequently, as the first half concluded, the Choctaws found themselves trailing the Statesmen, with a score of 32-43.
The Choctaws struggled to maintain possession, resulting in 12 points for the Statesman from eight turnovers committed by MC.
The second half saw the Choctaws launching into action with a revitalized energy and focus, connecting on their initial five shots. Reshad Bolden played a pivotal role in this surge, contributing 9 of the 13 points scored during this stretch, ultimately leveling the score at 45 with 15 minutes to play.
The Choctaws reclaimed the lead, a position they hadn't held since the 15:28 mark of the first half, courtesy of a layup by Anthony Ratliff Jr. The momentum was short-lived as Maalik Cartwell quickly countered with a layup.
After Cartwell's basket, the Statesman extended their lead to nine points. Anthony Ratliff Jr. countered with a powerful and-one dunk, reducing the deficit to seven, but KB's successful jumper promptly restored the lead back to nine for the Statesman.
The game ended with missed opportunities as the Choctaws committed 14 turnovers that helped the Statesman get 23 points off turnovers.
Cam Brown led the way for the Choctaws scoring 18 points on 7-14 shooting and 4-7 from the three point line.
The Choctaws encountered a 78-68 road defeat against Delta State. Looking ahead, they are gearing up for Senior Night at A.E. Wood Coliseum this Saturday, where they will face off against their rivals, Delta State, in their next home game.
