CLEVELAND, Miss. — Mississippi College (10-18, 7-15 GSC) saw its season come to a close Saturday night with an 85-77 loss to Delta State (11-16, 8-14 GSC) at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
The Choctaws finished with 36 points in the paint and forced 11 turnovers but were unable to overcome Delta State's 14 made three-pointers in the Gulf South Conference matchup.
The first half featured multiple lead changes as both teams battled for control. Avaughn Johnson opened the scoring for MC with a layup before Delta State answered with a three-pointer from Je'Marion Westbrook at the 18:30 mark. Phillip Hughes knocked down multiple shots from beyond the arc to help the Statesmen maintain a slim advantage.
Mississippi College stayed within striking distance behind DeMarcus Powe's steady offensive production. Powe scored late in the half, converting a layup in the closing seconds to trim the deficit to five. Delta State carried a 38-33 lead into the break.
Phil Nelson opened the second half with a jumper to cut the margin to three, 38-35, but Westbrook responded with another three-pointer to swing momentum back to the home side. Johnson added a layup at the 14:21 mark to bring MC within six, yet the Choctaws could not string together enough stops defensively.
Delta State maintained its edge down the stretch, converting key free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Despite a late push from the Blue and Gold, the Statesmen's balanced scoring attack and efficiency at the line proved decisive.
Mississippi College Top Performers
DeMarcus Powe
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27 points
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11 field goals made
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3 three-pointers made
Avaughn Johnson
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15 points
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8 rebounds
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2 steals
Phil Nelson
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18 points
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8 field goals made
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2 rebounds
Tremaine Dixon
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6 points
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3 assists
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4 rebounds
With the loss, Mississippi College concludes its 2025-26 campaign with a 10-18 overall record and a 7-15 mark in Gulf South Conference play.
