CLINTON, Miss. --- MC women's basketball set a program single-game record with 14 three-pointers but fell to West Florida, 89-86, in a tense Gulf South Conference matchup at A.E. Wood Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 12. The Choctaws (9-14, 8-10 GSC) kept pace from beyond the arc, but UWF's edge in the paint and at the free-throw line proved the difference.
 
MC placed five players in double figures for the first time this season led by Nia Coleman with 25 points. She added five steals and collected at least 5 total rebounds for the third consecutive game and recorded a season-high total of five assists.
 
Ava Craddock added a season-high 16 points, making four of her eight attempts from beyond the arc. Karly Ivy produced 11 points while Vivian Sketoe tallied 10 points along six assists and collected two steals. Brooklyn Wakefield contributed a season-high 10 points, converting three 3-pointers on four attempts.
 
West Florida built a seven-point lead after the first quarter, shooting 71 percent from the field to take a 28-21 advantage. Despite MC hitting four of six from beyond the arc, the Argonauts controlled the paint and added five fast-break points. UWF extended its lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Choctaws 24-13 and turning eight MC turnovers into 11 points to carry a 52-34 lead into halftime.
 
MC responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring West Florida 32-7. The 32 points are the most in any quarter this season by the Choctaws while the seven points matched the fewest in a third period by an opponent this season and the second fewest points in any quarter. The Blue and Gold knocked down seven 3-pointers, forced seven turnovers, and converted them into 13 points while controlling the glass. The surge gave the Choctaws a 66-59 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
 
In the final quarter, UWF capitalized on turnovers and free throws to reclaim control and secure the victory. MC shot 57 percent from the field in the fourth but committed seven turnovers, while the Argonauts sealed the game with 12 made free throws and two key 3-pointers to escape with the three-point win.
 
Annarose Tyre led the team with 18 points, connecting on 6 of 11 field goals, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and added three steals. In her return to A.E. Wood Coliseum, Amelia Bell contributed a double-double, scoring 14 points and securing 10 rebounds, while converting 6 of 8 free throws. It marked her first game back on the gym floor she called home for four seasons since March 1, 2025. Isabel Grimes added 15 points and dished out five assists, also recording two steals.
 
MC returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tip off at 2 p.m. with Senior Day festivities prior to the start of the contest.
  Read Full Article