CLINTON, Miss. --- The MC women's basketball team fell to Trevecca Nazarene, 81-56, at A.E. Wood Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 10. The Choctaws moved to 5-10 on the season and 4-6 in the Gulf South Conference while TNU improved to 8-6 and 5-4 in the league.
 
Valencia McFall, Nia Coleman and Karly Ivy each chimed in 10 points while Vivian Sketoe added nine as she converted on three of six from behind the arc and added three steals. Keller Bigham paced the Blue and Gold on the glass with six while McFall added four.
 
The Choctaws struggled offensively, scoring only 15 points in the first half. The Blue and Gold forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 19 points, but could not overcome the Trojans' 10 three-pointers and 38 points in the paint.
 
The Trojans capitalized on their shooting efficiency, outscoring MC 23-9 in the opening quarter as the visitors from Nashville converted five 3-pointers and recorded six assists. They continued their scoring prowess out-pacing the Choctaws by 10 points in the second period, leveraging a strong inside game with six points in the paint. TNU capitalized on turnovers, converting five MC giveaways into points, while also making two 3-pointers. The Blue and Gold shot just 23 percent from the field and trailed 39-15 at the intermission.
 
Trevecca capitalized on their presence in the paint, adding 14 points, while the Choctaws managed 10, in the third stanza. Despite MC's four steals, they were hindered by five turnovers, allowing TNU to maintain a lead, 61-32.
 
MC outpaced the Trojans 24-20 in the final period, capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities. The Blue and Gold forced eight turnovers and converted them into 11 points, maintaining pressure on the Trojans. Despite being outscored in the paint 14-4, the Choctaws' four 3-pointers and 12 bench points contributed to their scoring advantage.
 
Cheyenne Trotter led the Trojans with 18 points and 11 rebounds while Tatum Shaw added 17 points, including four 3-pointers and seven total rebounds. Brianna Burgess rounded out the double-figure scorers for the Purple and White with 10 points.
 
MC returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 17 as it hosts Delta State. Tip-off is 2 p.m.
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