CLINTON, Miss. --- The MC women's basketball team fell to No. 22 Union University, 113-72, at A.E. Wood Coliseum. MC moved to 2-5 on the season 1-1 in Gulf South Conference action while the Bulldogs improved to 5-4 and 1-1 in the league.
 
A trio of Choctaws scored in double figures, led by Vivian Sketoe with a career-high 20 points. The Lake Arthur, La., native converted 7-of-13, including a pair of 3 points, and became the second MC player with a 20-plus point performance, joining Valencia McFall.
 
Ava Craddock joined with a career-high 15 points, shooting 7-for-12 from the field, and collected a career-best seven rebounds. Nia Coleman joined out the triplets with 13 points and added a team-best and matched a career-high with nine rebounds. Karly Ivy missed out on double figures with eight points.
 
It is the second time this season three or more Choctaws have scored in double figures in a contest (Clark Atlanta, Nov. 14).
 
MC opened the game with a determined effort, matching Union early as Craddock tied the score with a 3-pointer at 7:22. The Blue and Gold briefly took the lead following a 3-pointer by Sketoe at 4:54, assisted by Mariam Olawoyin. Despite the efforts, MC struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the quarter, which helped Union to capitalize and build a seven-point lead.
 
In the second quarter, MC sought to close the gap but faced challenges against Union as it out-scored the Blue and Gold by eight in the period, widening its margin by 15 points at the intermission.
 
MC began the third quarter with a quick jumper by Sketoe at 9:59, assisted by Valencia McFall, setting an early tone for their offensive efforts. Despite their persistence, the Choctaws struggled to close the gap. Union maintained control behind effective shooting. UU dropped nine 3-pointers in the second half and connected on a season-high 17 for the game. The Bulldogs outscored the Blue and Gold by 26 in the second half.
 
Olivia Lee led Union with 24 points, hitting 8 of 14 from the field and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing eight rebounds. Courtney Zensen was effective from beyond the arc, scoring 15 points with five 3-pointers, and added two steals and five total rebounds. Abigail Bryan matched Zensen's 15 points, contributing three 3-pointers and three rebounds. Aryn Roberts facilitated the offense with seven assists and also scored 14 points, securing six rebounds.
 
MC returns to action on Thursday, Dec. 11 as it travels to Montgomery, Ala., to face Auburn-Montgomery. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
  Read Full Article