CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College mounted a valiant second-half comeback, taking its first lead of the game in the final minutes, but ultimately fell 62-61 to West Alabama in a hard-fought Gulf South Conference battle on Thursday night at A.E. Wood Coliseum.

Trailing 34-21 at halftime, the Choctaws (7-15, 3-13 GSC) stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 40-28 behind key baskets from Rashad Bolden and Tyshun Briscoe. Bolden, who finished with a team-high 16 points, helped MC rally late, and a three-pointer by Odis Carter brought the Choctaws within striking distance in the final minute.

With under 30 seconds to play, Mississippi College forced a defensive stop and had one final possession to win the game, trailing 62-61. However, Tremaine Dixon's last-second shot in the paint bounced off the rim as time expired, sealing the narrow victory for West Alabama (10-11, 7-9 GSC).

Briscoe added 16 points, including a clutch 6-of-7 performance from the free-throw line, while Dixon and Amari George each contributed key baskets down the stretch. The Choctaws improved their shooting in the second half, hitting 44.8% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range after struggling in the first half.

West Alabama was led by Thaddeus Williams, who recorded 16 points and six rebounds, while Elliot Tulip and Jaylen Lemons combined for 23 points.

Mississippi College looks to bounce back on Saturday, Feb. 8, when they host Alabama Huntsville at 2 p.m. at A.E. Wood Coliseum.