CLINTON, Miss. --- The MC women's basketball team defeated Delta State University, 69-62, at A.E. Wood Coliseum, capitalizing on 17 points off turnovers. The Choctaws improved to 6-10 on the season and 5-6 in Gulf South Conference action. The Lady Statesmen fell to 8-8 and 6-5 in the league.
 
MC never trailed in the contest to its cross-state neighbors and improved its win streak at home in the series to three consecutive. They have claimed seven of the last 11 meetings with the Green and White.
 
Vivian Sketoe led the Choctaws with 16 points, making 6 of 12 field goals and adding three steals. Nia Coleman contributed 15 points and collected seven rebounds. Abigail Winslow was perfect from the field, scoring 8 points on 3-for-3 shooting and securing four rebounds.
 
MC took control early, capitalizing on a balanced offensive effort to outscore the Lady Statesmen 18-6 in the first quarter. They converted three 3-pointers from six attempts, contributing to seven baskets. The Blue and Gold also forced six turnovers, leading to five points off turnovers, while holding DSU to just three baskets on 16 attempts.
 
The Choctaws extended their lead in the second quarter by converting six steals into points, emphasizing their defensive effort. MC sank two 3-pointers and maintained a slight edge in free throw efficiency, hitting five of six attempts. The Lady Statesmen struggled with eight turnovers, limiting their ability to close the gap as the Choctaws led 37-24 at the intermission.
 
MC, which is a 6-0 when tied or leading at the half, scored six points in the paint during the third quarter to counter DSU's efforts. Despite being outscored 18-15 in the quarter, the Blue and Gold's seven rebounds, including two on the offensive end, provided crucial second-chance opportunities as it led 52-42 heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
The Choctaws capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting six of 15 attempts, which helped offset DSU's seven baskets, including a pair of 3-pointers. MC's defense forced the Green and White into three turnovers while committing only one themselves and walked away with a seven-point lead.
 
Jariyah Williamson contributed significantly with 11 points and dominated the boards, securing 11 rebounds. Bramyia Johnson was effective from the field, scoring 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
 
MC hits the road on Thursday, Jan. 22 as it takes on Union University. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
  Read Full Article