Mississippi College Falls to AUM in Close Men’s Basketball Game

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College lost to Auburn University at Montgomery 76-74 in a closely contested men’s basketball game Saturday night at A.E. Wood Coliseum. The Choctaws, with a record of 9-11 overall and 6-8 in Gulf South Conference play, outscored AUM in the paint 46-24 and forced 13 turnovers, but fell short at the final buzzer.

Mississippi College took an early lead in the first half with Phil Nelson hitting a jumper to make it 2-0. AUM responded with a three-pointer from Colby Williams, tying the game. The teams exchanged leads throughout the half, with Judah Land scoring multiple layups for the Choctaws and Marius Canery hitting a key three for AUM. The half ended with a fast-break layup from Josh Holman, assisted by Nelson, giving Mississippi College a 36-33 advantage.

In the second half, both teams battled closely. AUM edged the home team 35-32 in scoring during the period. Avaughn Johnson contributed for Mississippi College with a three-pointer at the 10:34 mark. Omar Zeigler responded for AUM with a three at 6:38. Canery’s jumper at 3:15 briefly gave AUM the lead, but Johnson tied the game at 68 with a late free throw.

In the final minutes, Nelson’s layup at 2:51 put Mississippi College ahead temporarily. Williams answered with a layup for AUM to tie the game at 72 with 2:35 remaining. Williams then made four straight free throws, giving AUM a 76-72 lead. Nelson scored again for Mississippi College with 13 seconds left to bring the score to 76-74, but AUM held on for the win.

Top performers for Mississippi College included Johnson with 16 points, six assists, and 17 rebounds, and Josh Holman with 12 points and eight rebounds. Nelson also scored 12 points and dished out six assists, while Land added 12 points, two steals, and six rebounds. The Choctaws will next face West Alabama on Thursday in Livingston, Alabama.

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