West Alabama topped Mississippi College 73-53 at Pruitt Hall on Thursday night. The Tigers led early and maintained control throughout the game, despite a late rally from the Choctaws.
West Alabama opened the game with a 9-0 run, highlighted by a fast-break three-pointer from Elliot Tulip at 18:55. Mississippi College struggled with turnovers, committing eight in the first half. A steal by Rasean Frederick at 19:02 led to additional points for the home team.
BJ Brown Jr. led West Alabama with 15 points, including a jumper with 29 seconds remaining in the first half. The Tigers carried a 42-27 lead into halftime. Mississippi College’s Avaughn Johnson and Phil Nelson combined for 17 points, but the team could not close the gap.
In the second half, the Choctaws continued to fight. Nelson made two three-pointers, including one at 14:54 that cut the deficit to 13 points. Frederick made key plays for West Alabama, including a layup and a free throw at 9:29 that helped sustain their lead.
Mississippi College made a late push, with John Ridger sinking a jumper with 41 seconds left. However, West Alabama secured the win, 73-53. The Choctaws’ top performers included DeMarcus Powe, who scored 12 points, and Phil Nelson, who added 11 points and three assists.
The team will next face UAH on Saturday, Feb. 7, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. at UAH’s venue in Huntsville, Alabama.
