CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College (9-11, 6-8 Gulf South) fell to AUM (4-16, 2-12 Gulf South) in a closely contested game, 76-74, on Saturday night at A.E. Wood Coliseum. The Choctaws dominated in the paint with 46 points and forced 13 turnovers, but it was not enough to secure the victory.

The first half began with Mississippi College taking an early lead, courtesy of Phil Nelson's jumper, putting them up 2-0. AUM quickly responded, with Colby Williams hitting a three-pointer to bring the score to 3-2 at 18:43. The teams traded leads throughout the half, with notable contributions from Judah Land, who scored multiple layups for the Choctaws, and Marius Canery, who added points for AUM with a key three-pointer at 10:41. The half concluded with a fast-break layup by Josh Holman, assisted by Nelson, securing a narrow 36-33 lead for MC.

In the second half, AUM and the Choctaws engaged in a tightly contested battle, with AUM narrowly outscoring the home team 35-32 in the half. Avaughn Johnson contributed significantly for MC, including a three-pointer at the 10:34 mark. AUM's Omar Zeigler responded with a key three-pointer at 6:38, keeping the game close. Canery's jumper at 3:15 gave AUM a brief lead, but a late free throw by Johnson tied the score at 68. Both teams had opportunities in the final minute, but neither was able to secure the winning basket, resulting in a deadlock.

Nelson's layup at 2:51 gave the Choctaws a narrow lead, but AUM's Williams quickly responded with a layup to tie the score at 72 with 2:35 remaining. Williams continued his momentum by sinking four consecutive free throws, pushing AUM ahead 74-72. Despite Nelson's late layup at 13 seconds to bring Mississippi College within two, AUM maintained their lead. The half concluded with AUM leading 76-74.

Mississippi Col. Top Performers  

Avaughn Johnson  
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- 16 points  
- 6 assists  
- 3 blocks  
- 17 rebounds  

Josh Holman  
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- 12 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 2 assists  

Phil Nelson  
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- 12 points  
- 6 assists  
- 4 rebounds  

Judah Land  
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- 12 points  
- 2 steals  
- 6 rebounds  

In their next game, the Choctaws will travel to face West Alabama on Thursday, Feb. 5. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. in Livingston, Alabama. Read Full Article