MONTGOMERY, Ala. --- The MC women's basketball team picked up its second Gulf South Conference victory of the season as it defeated AUM, 61-55, at the AUM Athletics Complex on Thursday, Dec. 11. The Choctaws improved to 3-5 on the campaign and 2-1 in conference action.
The Blue and Gold outscored the Warhawks in the paint, holding a 12-point advantage, and earning its third consecutive win in the series.
Vivian Sketoe scored 19 points and added two steals. It marked the third straight game the Lake Arthur, La., native has scored 15 or more points and her fourth contest in double figures this season.
Valencia McFall joined Sketoe in double figures as she recorded 18 points and collected a team-best nine rebounds, contributing with four steals and two blocks. It is the fourth game with 10 or more points for the Ocean Springs, Miss., product
Karly Ivy finished with eight points and added six rebounds while
Nia Coleman also tallied eight points while securing six rebounds.
The game began with the two teams exchanging early baskets, resulting in two ties within the opening minutes. MC capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring four points off offensive rebounds, with McFall contributing two free throws to keep the score close. AUM grabbed the advantage late in the quarter as it turned the five Choctaw miscues into a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
MC gained momentum with a strong defensive effort and efficient shooting in the second quarter. McFall contributed significantly with a crucial steal at 10 seconds remaining and a layup earlier at 5:15, assisted by Coleman, who added a layup at 2:43, helping the Blue and Gold maintain their lead. Despite AUM's attempts to close the gap, the Choctaws' defensive stops, including three steals, kept them ahead, taking a 26-22 lead at the intermission.
The Blue and Gold surged ahead in the third quarter with a strong inside presence, outscoring AUM 12-8 in the paint. McFall provided a significant boost with multiple layups, including one at 7:07 that extended the lead. MC maintained their edge by converting crucial free throws, with Sketoe sealing two at 0:55 to keep AUM at bay, 42-38.
MC established a lead early in the fourth quarter with Sketoe's offensive rebound and jumper at 9:13, followed by Coleman's layup, pushing the score to 46-40. AUM kept the game close with a quick response, but a timely 3-pointer from Sketoe, assisted by Ivy, extended MC's lead to 51-44 at 7:17. Despite AUM's attempts to narrow the gap, the Choctaws maintained control with key free throws from
Abigail Winslow and
Faith Quick in the final minute, securing the six-point victory.
MC turns its attention to Saturday, Dec. 13 as it continues its Alabama road swing, taking on Montevallo. Tip-off is 2 p.m.
