CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College used a dominant third quarter to power past Trevecca Nazarene 73-56 on Tuesday, Feb. 20 inside A.E. Wood Coliseum, securing a key Gulf South Conference victory. MC improved to 14-12 on the season and 10-10 in conference play.
 
Holding a narrow 30-27 lead at halftime, the Choctaws erupted for 30 points in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 17 and never looking back. The 30 points are the most in a quarter since Jan. 26, 2023 against Auburn Montgomery.
 
The Choctaws provided a balanced attack with nine players scoring, including three in double figures, led by Nia Coleman with 14 points. Tiara Abron and Tytiana Buckley added 13 points apiece. Abron chipped in six rebounds.
 
The offensive prowess, combined with stifling defense, fueled the Blue and Gold's surge as they outscored the Trojans 30-16 in the period and 43-29 in the half. MC shot 39.7 percent from the field, including going 11-for-33 from behind the arc, and connecting on 8-of-10 attempts from the free-throw line. The 11 3-points are second most this season for the squad, trailing a season-high 12 against Belhaven on Nov. 14. Vivian Sketoe drained a team-high, three treys during the contest to reset her season-high with nine points, surpassing her previous best of six points.
 
MC controlled the boards, outrebounding Purple and White 42-33, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 18 points off offensive rebounds. The defense also stepped up, forcing 11 turnovers and converting them into 16 points. 
 
TNU struggled to find consistency from beyond the arc, shooting just 8.3 percent from 3-point range. Cheyenne Trotter led the Trojans, posting a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
 
The Choctaws stand in sixth in the standings following the outcome. The top eight teams advance to the conference tournament with the top four seeds hosting on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The four advancing teams move on to Birmingham, Ala., and Samford University for the semifinals and championship game, Mar. 8-9.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 22 as it hosts Lee University. Tip is 2 p.m.