CLINTON, Miss. --- The MC women's basketball team defeated West Alabama, 75-62, with a strong 28-point fourth quarter inside A.E. Wood Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 20. The Choctaws improved to 4-7 on the season and 3-3 Gulf South Conference action.
 
Nia Coleman scored a career-high 30 points, making 10 of 14 field goals and converting three 3-pointers. She becomes the first Choctaw with 30-plus points in a game since Amelia Bell on Jan 29, 2024 against Christian Brothers.
 
Vivian Sketoe and Valencia McFall joined Coleman in double figures. Sketoe added 15 points, recorded six assists, and collected two steals while Valencia McFall posted her second double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. It is the third time this season a trio of Choctaws have scored in double figures in a game.
 
MC started the opening quarter with effective ball movement and tight defense, resulting in a 22–13 lead over West Alabama. Coleman and Sketoe contributed significantly, with Sketoe notably assisting Coleman for a layup and later hitting a 3-pointer. The Choctaws capitalized on UWA's six turnovers, converting them into nine points, and maintained a strong presence in the paint with 12 points, holding a nine-point advantage following the first 10 minutes.
 
The Blue and Gold maintained their lead with a key play when Sketoe hit a jumper at the 7:59 mark, extending the margin. Taleah Anderson contributed with a jumper at 6:00, assisted by Abigail Winslow, to keep the momentum in MC's favor. Despite the Tigers' attempts to close the gap, the Choctaws held firm, with Sketoe adding to the lead by completing a three-point play with 56 seconds left. MC held a 29-22 lead at the intermission.
 
The Choctaws maintained control in the third quarter, highlighted by a crucial sequence early on. Coleman scored a layup at 9:30, followed by another at 8:42 assisted by Sketoe, extending their lead. Coleman then hit a 3-pointer at 7:49, further solidifying their advantage. Despite the Red and White's efforts, MC's defense held firm, allowing only a slight scoring edge to the visitors in the quarter, but maintaining a 47-41 lead heading into the final period
 
The Blue and Gold took control in the fourth quarter, opening with a jumper by Coleman before she knocked down a 3-pointer off a Karly Ivy assist to stretch the lead. Despite West Alabama's efforts to rally, MC stayed in command behind two key 3-pointers from Valencia McFall and continued contributions from Gabby Collier and Anderson. Coleman capped the surge with a late layup and two free throws in the final seconds, sealing the 13-point victory.
 
Bellah Machen led the Tigers ith 17 points, hitting 5 of 12 from the field and converting 6 of 8 free throws. She also contributed six rebounds and two assists. Chardai Watkins added 12 points and was a strong defensive presence with three blocks. Shay Hunter collected eight rebounds and posted two blocks, while Jayda Bernard also recorded two blocks in her effort.
 
MC returns to action on Friday, Jan. 2 as it travels to the Peach State to face Valdosta State. Tip-off is 5 p.m.
 

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NOTES

• The 28 points in the fourth quarter for the Choctaws are the most by the team in any quarter this season while the 22 points in the first quarter match the most this season in the quarter.
• Valencia McFall and Vivian Sketoe has scored 10 or more points in six contests this season. Skeotoe has accomplished the feat in five of the last six contests - all in GSC play.
• Mississippi College is 3-0 this season when leading at the half.

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