Mississippi College edges Delta State 69-65 in Gulf South Conference game

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College edged Delta State University 69-65 Saturday at A.E. Wood Coliseum. The Choctaws built a commanding first-half lead and held on in the second half to secure the victory, according to school officials.

Delta State took an early 2-0 lead on a jumper by Samuel Whitmer at 18:54. Mississippi College responded quickly, with Judah Land tying the game with a layup at 18:02. Avaughn Johnson sparked a scoring run for the Choctaws, hitting a three and assisting on multiple plays. By halftime, Mississippi College led 39-23, with Phil Nelson contributing 10 points, including a key three-pointer at 10:25.

In the second half, Delta State surged back with 42 points to Mississippi College’s 30. Je’Marion Westbrook and DaCory Porter led the charge for the Delta State, with Westbrook making key layups and Porter adding points from the paint and free-throw line. Mississippi College maintained a narrow lead, with Nelson and Johnson providing crucial points in the paint and from the free-throw line.

In the final minute, Josh Holman grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a layup, extending the Choctaws’ lead. Delta State’s late attempts to close the gap fell short, resulting in a 69-65 victory for Mississippi College, officials said.

Johnson finished with 14 points, 21 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Nelson scored 19 points, making seven of nine free throws, and added five rebounds. Land contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while Holman scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds. Mississippi College is scheduled to face Union on Thursday in Jackson, Tennessee.

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