CLINTON, Miss.  — In a fiercely contested matchup between Gulf South Conference rivals, Mississippi College endured a heart-wrenching loss to Delta State on Saturday night at the A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton, Miss.

Mississippi College started strong, with Rashad Bolden leading the charge with an impressive 27-point performance. Anthony Ratliff Jr. also made significant contributions, shooting a perfect 6-6 from the field to add 12 points to the scoreboard.

In the second half, the intensity only heightened as both teams battled for control of the game. The lead exchanged hands multiple times throughout the half, keeping the packed out A.E. Wood Coliseum on the edge of their seats with each possession. Mississippi College fought to maintain their advantage, but Delta State battled back and eventually took the lead in the final months.

As the game reached its closing minutes, Mississippi College attempted to rally back, but Delta State closed out the final seconds to hold onto the 76-74 win.

MC fell to 13-14 overall and 12-11 in GSC play returns to action on Wednesday where they take on West Georgia beginning at 4:30 p.m. EST in Carrollton, Ga.