Choctaws Rally Late as Electric Home Crowd Lifts MC to 75–74 Thriller

Blake Weir, Director of Athletic Communications, MS College

Mississippi College fed off a standing-room-only home crowd inside A.E. Wood Coliseum on Tuesday night, storming back from a 12-point deficit to defeat Tougaloo 75–74 in a dramatic finish that marked the first home victory of the Josh Brooks era.

The atmosphere was postseason-level from the opening minutes. Students packed the bleachers well before tipoff, and the noise never stopped, even as MC fell behind by double digits. The energy inside the coliseum fueled a second-half surge that turned a sluggish start into a signature early-season win.

Back-and-Forth First Half

The opening half featured quick swings in momentum. Avaughn Johnson lifted the crowd early with a layup and a three-pointer, while Marcel Bridges added a strong finish at the rim. Tougaloo countered behind Antonio Patterson, who helped knot the score at 18 with under eight minutes to go.

Phil Nelson kept MC within reach, hitting 5 of 6 free throws in the first half. Tougaloo carried a 32–30 advantage into halftime after a late jumper by Jakenyon McGhee.

Second-Half Surge and Closing Drama

Mississippi College’s comeback took shape after the break, sparked by defensive pressure, timely shooting, and an energized home crowd. Bridges opened the rally with a midrange jumper, and MC slowly chipped away at the deficit.

The final minute delivered chaos. The teams traded leads as the coliseum grew louder with every possession. Tougaloo’s Jordan Ealey momentarily silenced the arena with a buzzer-beater that appeared to hand the visitors the win. But a technical foul on Tougaloo followed the shot.

With the game hanging in the balance, Nelson stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws. MC held on in the final seconds to secure an emotional 75–74 victory in the home opener.

Top Performers

• Phil Nelson — 25 points, 14-of-17 FT, 2 steals

• Marcel Bridges — 18 points (8-of-14 FG), 5 rebounds

• DeMarcus Powe — 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

• Jakob Vigneault — 12 points, 2 steals

• Judah Land — 3 blocks, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Up Next

Mississippi College returns to A.E. Wood Coliseum on Thursday, Nov. 20, hosting Belhaven at 7 p.m. After a home opener filled with energy and late-game drama, another electric atmosphere is expected in Clinton.