Mississippi College Holds Off Central State in Hard-Fought Win, 73-65
In a battle of early-season opponents, Mississippi College (1-0) fought off a resilient Central State University (0-1) team for a 73-65 victory at the A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday evening. The early season game proved to be a tense back-and-forth affair, but the Choctaws pulled away in the second half behind a strong performance from guard Ty Briscoe.
Central State came out with energy and determination in the first half, leading by as many as 7 points and taking a 33-31 advantage into halftime. The Marauders shot 37.5% from the field in the first period, including a exceptional 55.6% from three-point range, with Brandon Scott leading the charge. Scott finished the game with a team-high 20 points, including 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Choctaws, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, shooting only 44% from the field and committing several turnovers that kept them from building any substantial lead. However, they got a strong contribution from Briscoe, who scored 11 points in the opening frame, and Tyree Bracey, who grabbed 7 rebounds to help keep Mississippi College within striking distance.
The game turned in the second half, where Mississippi College outscored Central State 42-32. Central State's shooting cooled off, as they connected on just 34.4% of their attempts after the break, including a cold spell from three-point range (6-of-14, 42.9%). Despite a balanced scoring attack that saw contributions from multiple players, the Marauders struggled to match the Choctaws' scoring surge in the final 20 minutes.
Briscoe was a key catalyst in Mississippi College's second-half success. The senior guard finished with 21 points and 6 assists, including a perfect 10-of-12 performance from the free-throw line. His scoring and leadership helped the Choctaws build an 11-point lead midway through the second half, a margin that would prove insurmountable for the Marauders.
Tremaine Dixon also came up big for Mississippi College, contributing 16 points and 4 rebounds in 40 minutes of action. His shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, was crucial in stretching the lead when Central State threatened. Judah Land added 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Bracey finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Central State did not go down quietly, however. Despite a rough shooting performance from the field (23-of-64, 35.9%), the Marauders had several players step up to keep the game close. Steven Key II scored 5 points and dished out 3 assists, while  guard Ramar Pryor chipped in 11 points. However, the team struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 8-of-18 (44.4%) from the stripe.
The Marauders outshot MC from the 3 point line but the difference in the game was at the free-throw line the Choctaws' shot 15 more free-throws and made 17 more. That proved to be the difference in the opening game for both teams. Mississippi College converted 25-of-33 free throws (75.8%) compared to just 8-of-18 for Central State.
Despite the loss, Central State showed signs of promise, especially in their ability to hit timely three-pointers and win the rebounding battle (40-29). However, their inability to close out on defense and finish possessions with rebounds ultimately costthem.
"We've got to be better in all phases of the game," said Scott, who finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds. "We've got to take care of the ball better and hit our free throws when it counts."
Final Score:
Central State (OH) 65, Mississippi College 73
Key Stats:
- Central State: Brandon Scott – 20 points, 6 rebounds
- Mississippi College: Ty Briscoe – 21 points, 6 assists, 10-of-12 FT
- Second-half scoring: Mississippi College 42, Central State 32
