PENSACOLA, Fla. — Mississippi College secured a hard-fought 70-67 victory over West Florida in Gulf South Conference action on Thursday night at the UWF Field House.
The Choctaws (8-16, 4-14 GSC) rallied in the second half, outscoring the Argonauts 41-32 after trailing by six at halftime. Rashad Bolden led all scorers with 25 points, going 8-of-26 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Tyshun Briscoe added 19 points while shooting 9-of-10 from the stripe, and Judah Land notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Mississippi College shot 39.7% from the field and 90.5% from the free-throw line, overcoming a strong challenge from West Florida (6-17, 5-12 GSC), which saw Xavier Glenn pace the Argos with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Shay Davis contributed 14 points, including four three-pointers, while Zondrick Garrett finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.
The game featured 10 lead changes and five ties, with the Choctaws capitalizing on 16 points off turnovers and a 30-26 advantage in points in the paint.
The game remained close throughout, with both teams trading leads in a back-and-forth battle. With 10 minutes remaining, West Florida took a brief 55-52 advantage after a three-pointer from Shay Davis. However, Bolden responded with a jumper to keep the Choctaws within striking distance.
As the game entered the final five minutes, Bolden took over, scoring multiple layups to put MC ahead 60-57. Tyshun Briscoe added crucial free throws, extending the lead to five points. West Florida continued to fight, with Zondrick Garrett hitting two free throws to cut the deficit to three, but MC maintained its composure.
Bolden's layup and free throw at the 2:10 mark provided a six-point cushion, and Mississippi College's defense held firm in the final moments. Bolden's late-game heroics proved to be the difference, sealing the Choctaws' victory.
Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 15, when it faces No. 6 Valdosta State at The Complex in Valdosta, Ga. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CT.
