MOBILE, Ala. --- Mississippi College fell to Spring Hill, 67-59, despite forcing 25 turnovers. Both squads move to 1-1 on the season as the Gulf South Conference-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Crossover concludes.
Valencia McFall led MC with a season-high 20 points, connecting on 8-of-16 shots, while also pulling down five rebounds.
Gabby Collier contributed a season-best 10 points, making three 3-pointers and adding two steals.
The Badgers, who evened the series with MC at two victories apiece, claimed the win on their home court, finishing the contest on an 8-0 run over the final three minutes.
The Choctaws opened the game with strong shooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by
Nia Coleman's early 3-pointer assisted by McFall at 9:31. The team continued to build momentum with another three from Coleman, off a feed from
Karly Ivy, and a subsequent 3-pointer by
Vivian Sketoe, increasing their lead to 9–2 at the 6:06 mark. The Choctaws maintained their advantage as McFall contributed a layup and
Addy Bernhard sank a fastbreak 3-pointer at 2:08, pushing the score to 17–9. Despite a late push from Spring Hill, MC ended the first quarter up 18–14.
The Blue and Gold faced a challenging second quarter as Spring Hill opened with a series of scoring plays, establishing a lead. Despite difficulties from the field, Collier provided a spark with a 3-pointer at 4:55, followed by another at 3:36, narrowing the gap to 30–28. However, SHC regained control and extended their lead with a late 3-pointer, concluding the quarter with a 39–30 advantage heading into the intermission.
The Choctaws shifted the momentum in the third quarter with a strong performance by McFall, who scored multiple key baskets, including a layup at 6:58 that drew the squad to within two points and pair of
Abigail Winslow free throws placed the Choctaw up 41-40. A McFall jumper at 2:32 that extended their lead to 46–42. SHC fought back and regained the lead late in the quarter, but Collier hit a crucial 3-pointer to tie the game at 49-all, setting up a tense final quarter.
MC began the fourth quarter with a narrow lead following a layup by Winslow at 9:45. However, they struggled to maintain momentum as the Badgers' defensive efforts intensified, resulting in multiple turnovers for the Blue and Gold. Despite efforts by
Mariam Olawoyin, who scored twice to keep the game close, MC could not reclaim the lead. Missed opportunities and crucial free throws by SHC's Libby Geisler expanded the gap.
Mississippi College returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 19 as it travels to Arkadelphia, Ark., to face Henderson State. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
