CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College fell to the University of Arkansas at Monticello, 59-50, on Tuesday in the home opener. The Choctaws moved to 1-4 on the season while UAM improved to 5-1.
Nia Coleman scored 15 points and recorded five total rebounds, including four on the offensive end.
Vivian Sketoe added seven points and collected five rebounds.
Channing Lane contributed with two steals and three total rebounds.
Gabby Collier tallied six points and grabbed four rebounds.
For the second straight contest, the Choctaws held the advantage on the glass, outrebounding the Cotton Blossoms 39-36.
The Blue and Gold began the game with a focus on scoring in the paint, matching Arkansas-Monticello early on. However, the team struggled with their shooting accuracy, connecting on only 3-of-16 field goal attempts. Despite the challenges, MC's defense managed to limit UAM's second-chance opportunities with nine defensive rebounds. Monticello maintained a lead throughout the quarter, capitalizing on a 6–0 run midway through, extending their advantage with contributions from the bench. and taking a 16-9 lead after the opening 10 minutes.
The Choctaws gained momentum midway through the second quarter, narrowing the deficit with a layup by
Channing Lane at 7:57, followed by a jumper from Collier at 3:47, reducing the Cotton Blossoms' lead. This rally continued with
Mariam Olawoyin converting a layup at 2:37, assisted by Coleman, and a 3-pointer by Collier at 1:54, further closing the gap. Despite UAM's attempts to maintain their lead, MC finished the quarter, outscoring their opponent 11–8 in the quarter, and trailing by four points at halftime.
MC faced a challenging third period, initially cutting the deficit to two points at 7:28 following a jumper by Coleman. However, the Green and White responded with a quick 7-0 run that included an Alindsey Long 3-pointer, widening the gap, and holding a 38-30 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.
Coleman sparked a strong offensive push for the Blue and Gold in the fourth quarter with a layup at 9:30, followed by a jumper that narrowed the gap to 48-41. Despite
Ava Craddock's crucial 3-pointer at 7:07, which narrowed the deficit to four, MC struggled to overcome UAM's steady scoring, bolstered by key free throws from Alyssa Batton in the final minute, ending the game with a 59–50 victory over the Choctaws.
Long led the team with 15 points, converting 6-of-12 field goals and making 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Batton was pivotal at the free-throw line, sinking all 9 attempts and adding 18 points to her tally. Brilynn Findley contributed significantly with 7 points and 5 assists, while also grabbing 8 rebounds.
MC returns to action on Thursday, Dec. 4 as it opens Gulf South Conference action against Christian Brothers. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
