Valdosta State edges Mississippi College in overtime on Senior Day
CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College women’s basketball lost 84-78 in overtime to Valdosta State on Saturday, marking its second overtime game of the season. The game was played on Senior Day, and the Choctaws dropped to 9-15 overall and 8-11 in Gulf South Conference play. The Blazers improved to 13-11 and 10-8 in league action.
Mississippi College out-rebounded Valdosta State 40-36 but was outscored 12-6 in the extra period. Nia Coleman led the Choctaws with 21 points, her second consecutive game with 20 or more. She made 12 of 16 free throws and added 10 rebounds, matching her season high. Ava Craddock scored 14 points, hitting four three-pointers and also grabbing 10 rebounds, including a season-high nine defensive boards. This was Craddock’s second straight game with at least 14 points.
Mariam Olawoyin contributed 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting and dished three assists. Karly Ivy and Keller Bigham each scored 11 points. Ivy went 5-for-14 from the floor and added three rebounds, extending her streak of at least 11 points to three games. Bigham was 4 of 6, including three three-pointers.
The first half was tightly contested, with Mississippi College leading 21-19 after the first quarter. The Choctaws out-rebounded the Blazers 10-5 in the opening period. Valdosta State responded in the second quarter, scoring 16 points in the paint and outscoring MC 25-19 to take a 44-40 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Mississippi College’s defense held VSU to just seven points while outscoring the Blazers 15-7 to regain a 55-51 lead. The Choctaws dominated the glass again, with a season-high eight rebounds from Brooklyn Wakefield, five of which were offensive. They built momentum through turnovers and second-chance opportunities heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, MC scored 14 points in the paint and shot 8-for-14 from the field to tie the game at 72 at the end of regulation. During overtime, the Choctaws struggled offensively, making just one of nine shots. Valdosta State sealed the victory by making eight of 10 free throws in the extra period. Erin Whalen led VSU with 26 points, including four three-pointers, and added 12 rebounds. Aryana Hicks scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, with four assists. Rebecca Souverain finished with 14 points and six rebounds, while Alina Sapilak contributed 12 points on 6-for-7 free-throw shooting.
Mississippi College returns to action Thursday, Feb. 19, traveling to face Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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