CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College needed every ounce of energy inside A.E. Wood Coliseum on Tuesday night. They got it from a student section that never sat down, a home crowd that refused to waver, and a team that stormed back from a 12 point deficit to pull out a dramatic 75–74 win over Tougaloo in the first home game of the Josh Brooks era.
The victory marked the first home win for Brooks in his return to lead the Choctaws, and it came in a setting that felt more like postseason basketball than a mid November non conference matchup. Students packed into the bleachers well before tipoff, filling the arena with a constant, restless noise that grew louder with every possession. Even when Mississippi College fell behind by double digits, the energy never dipped. If anything, it intensified.
A Chaotic First Half
The opening half swung back and forth as both teams traded bursts of offense. Avaughn Johnson scored early to lift the crowd into rhythm, hitting a layup and a three pointer. Marcel Bridges added a strong finish at the rim, but Tougaloo countered repeatedly behind Antonio Patterson, who controlled the paint and knotted the game at 18 with just under eight minutes remaining.
Phil Nelson helped keep the Choctaws within striking distance by sinking five of six free throws in the half. Tougaloo took a 32–30 lead into the locker room after Jakenyon McGhee buried a short jumper in the closing seconds.
The Comeback and the Closing Chaos
Mississippi College's surge came in the second half, fueled by defensive pressure, timely shooting, and the constant roar of the home crowd. Tougaloo scored on the opening possession, but the Choctaws began chipping away immediately. Bridges answered with a jumper, and momentum slowly shifted as MC climbed back into the game.
The final minutes were frenetic. The teams traded leads in the final seconds, and every possession carried weight as the noise inside the building swelled. Tougaloo's Jordan Ealey briefly sent the arena into shock when he hit a buzzer beating shot that appeared to give the visitors the win.
But a technical foul on Tougaloo followed. With the crowd suddenly frozen in place, Nelson stepped to the free throw line. His two makes were calm, steady, and decisive. Mississippi College took the lead, and the final seconds ticked away without a response, sealing an emotional comeback in the home opener.
Top Performers
Phil Nelson finished with 25 points and went 14 for 17 from the free throw line, adding two steals in a standout performance.
Marcel Bridges scored 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting and collected five rebounds.
DeMarcus Powe added 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Jakob Vigneault posted 12 points with two steals.
Judah Land anchored the paint with three blocks, four rebounds, and two assists.
Up Next
Mississippi College returns to A.E. Wood Coliseum on Thursday, Nov. 20, when the Choctaws host Belhaven at 7 p.m. After a home opener filled with noise, intensity, and late game drama, the atmosphere is set for another energized night in Clinton.
