Valdosta, Ga. — The Mississippi College women’s basketball team dropped an 83-57 decision to Valdosta State at The Complex on Friday in Gulf South Conference play. The Choctaws are now 4-8 overall and 3-4 in conference play.
Karly Ivy led MC with nine points and two steals. Keller Bigham added four points along with three blocks and two steals. Vivian Sketoe scored eight points, including two three-pointers, and dished out two assists. Abigail Winslow recorded two steals and two assists, helping to spark the team’s effort.
Valdosta State took control early, turning MC’s eight turnovers into nine points. The Blazers shot 73 percent from the field, including three three-pointers, and held the visitors to 29 percent shooting. Despite forcing seven turnovers and recording five steals, the Choctaws struggled offensively, making no three-pointers and shooting 33 percent overall. The Blazers led 43-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Valdosta State extended its lead, outscoring MC 12-6 in the paint and shooting efficiently from the field. The Blazers converted nine of 17 shots, including three threes, and scored seven fast break points. MC shot just 33 percent in the quarter but stayed competitive by making all four free throws.
During the fourth quarter, MC edged VSU 18-17. The Choctaws capitalized on turnovers to score four points and scored eight in the paint. They also blocked two shots, limiting the Blazers’ interior scoring. Despite the rebounding edge for Valdosta State, MC’s free-throw accuracy and three-point shooting kept them in the game.
Erin Whalen led VSU with 19 points and 17 rebounds, including 14 defensive boards. She also contributed six assists and four steals. Ka’Miah Pryor matched Whalen’s scoring total with 19 points, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds. Aryana Hicks added eight points, six assists, and three steals. Alina Martin scored 12 points and tied for team-high rebounds with eight, including three offensive boards.
Mississippi College will visit West Florida on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Pensacola, Florida, for their next game.
