PENSACOLA, Fla. --- The MC women's basketball team fell to West Florida, 76-71, in a closely contested Gulf South Conference matchup highlighted by seven lead changes and seven ties. The Choctaws (4-9, 3-5 GSC) secured a 49-34 rebounding advantage, including 20 offensive boards, but could not overcome the Argonauts 24 points from the free-throw line.
 
The 49 boards marked a season-high and is the fifth time this season with 40-plus in game. The previous best was 43 on Dec. 6 against Union University.
 
Nia Coleman finished with 15 points and collected a career-high tying nine rebounds. Valencia McFall matched her with 15 points and added a career-best 12 rebounds, including 11 defensive boards, while also tallying three steals. It marked the third double-double for the Ocean Springs, Miss., native.
 
The game opened with both squads trading early baskets. Keller Bigham scored the first points for MC with a layup at 7:58, but UWF quickly responded with a layup and free throw from Amelia Bell to take a narrow lead. Carmen Jones hit a three-pointer at 6:23, extending the Argos' advantage to 6-4. The Choctaws responded with a 3-pointer by Vivian Sketoe, pulling the visitors within one point at 2:03. In the final seconds, Karly Ivy's jumper cut the deficit to 17-16, but Isabel Grimes' free throws with 17 seconds remaining left MC trailing by one at the end of the quarter.
 
The second quarter featured a back-and-forth battle between The Blue and Gold and UWF, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The Green and Blue's Avery O'Connor hit a three-pointer at 9:02 to extend their lead, but MC's Abigail Winslow responded quickly with consecutive layups to tie the game at 20. Finley Kennedy's successful free throws at 0:19 helped UWF to a 37-32 lead at the end of the quarter.
 
McFall sparked the Blue and Gold's rally in the third quarter with an early layup, followed by a jumper to cut the deficit to one point at 37-36. McFall continued her offensive contributions with another layup at 8:05, assisted by Ivy, giving MC their first lead of the quarter at 38-37. Gabby Collier's 3-pointer at 3:14 extended the visitor's lead to 49-45. However, UWF's Janai Jordan and Kennedy responded with crucial points, including a 3-pointer by Kennedy at 2:01, to edge the Argos ahead. Jakeria Hawkins sealed the quarter with two free throws, finalizing a narrow 55-52 lead.
 
Coleman played a pivotal role in the final quarter for the Choctaws, contributing a crucial tip-in and free throw at 8:51 to tie the score at 57-57. Grimes responded for UWF with a layup and subsequent free throw, extending their lead to 62-57 at 8:17. Despite efforts from MC, including a late 3-pointer by Coleman at 0:23 assisted by Sketoe, UWF managed to maintain their advantage. Hawkins secured the victory with two free throws at 0:14, capping a 76-71 win.
 
Grimes led the way with 17 points, hitting 5 of 13 from the field and sinking two 3-pointers. O'Connor contributed nine points and grabbed eight rebounds, providing a strong presence on the boards. Hawkins added 11 points, converting all four of her free throw attempts.
 
MC returns to action on Thursday, Jan. 8 as it takes on Lee University. Tip-off inside A.E. Coliseum is 5:30 p.m.
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