CLINTON, Miss. --- The MC women's basketball team defeated Lee University, 65-58, at A.E. Wood Coliseum, capitalizing on 25 free throws made and 13 steals. MC improved to 5-9 on the season and 4-5 in Gulf South Conference play.
 
The victory, which snapped a five-game slide in the series, was the second in program history against the Flames. The first came on January 2, 2024 – also in Clinton.
 
Nia Coleman led the team with 24 points, hitting 6 of 9 field goals and converting all nine of her free throws. She also added three steals and seven rebounds. Valencia McFall added 13 points, making 7 of 8 free throws and collecting three steals. Abigail Winslow contributed defensively with two blocks and three steals. Faith Quick added a career-high eight points
 
The Choctaws capitalized on turnovers, converting eight points from Lee's seven turnovers to gain an early edge. The Blue and Gold also found success beyond the arc, hitting two 3-pointers. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, each recording four steals, but MC led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter.
 
MC capitalized on Lee's ten fouls in the second quarter, converting nine of 10 free throws to maintain a slim lead. The home team outscored the Flames 17-16, thanks in part to a strong defensive effort that resulted in four steals and limited Lee to just one offensive rebound as it took a 29-26 lead into the intermission
 
The Blue and Gold saw its lead slip away in the third quarter as the Flames outscored the hosts 16-11. MC struggled from the field, converting only three of 13 attempts, while the Flames capitalized on better shooting from beyond the arc, hitting three of six 3-pointers. MC's eight rebounds, including a critical defensive board by Coleman at 8:20, helped maintain a narrow advantage until late in the quarter. However, Lee's Anna Muhonen sank two free throws with no time left on the clock, giving the visitors a 42-40 edge at the end of the third.
 
MC capitalized on the Flames' turnovers to secure a decisive 65-58 victory in the final quarter. The Choctaws converted 11 points off turnovers while limiting their own turnovers to just two, creating key opportunities. The home team excelled from the free-throw line, making eight of nine attempts, contributing to their nine-point advantage in the quarter. Despite the Flames' efforts, including a last-minute 3-pointer, The Blue and Gold's defensive pressure and fast-break efficiency sealed the win.
 
Anna Muhonen led the Flames with 18 points, making 6 of 10 field goals and converting 6 of 9 free throws, while also securing nine rebounds, including five offensive boards, and tallying two steals. Abby McFarland contributed 14 points, shooting 4 of 6 from the field and sinking 6 of 7 free throws. Libby Privett added eight points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four assists and two steals.
 
MC hosts Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m.

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NOTES
- The Choctaws are 5-0 when tied or leading at the intermission
- It is the first time this season, the Choctaws won after trailing with five minutes to play Read Full Article