JACKSON, MS - The Mississippi College men's basketball team lost the championship game of the Magnolia Classic to Belhaven University on Friday night, 76-57.  The Blazers were the host school for the tournament, played in Rugg Arena.

After the Choctaws (2-7) held an early 6-2 lead on a three-point basket by senior Marlon Ester, the Blazers (6-9) took a 37-28 halftime advantage.  Belhaven led by as many as 14 points in the first half.

With 13:01 remaining in the second half, MC had the lead down to 49-42, but Belhaven stopped any comeback hopes with a 13-2 run over the next four minutes.

The Blazers shot 55% from the floor, including going 15-25 in the first half.  Belhaven also made 5-10 three-pointers in the contest.

The Choctaws were held to just 42% shooting, which was their lowest output since December 1st in a loss to Sul Ross State.  Since that defeat, MC had shot over 50% in four of the last five games.

For the game, Belhaven outrebounded the Choctaws, 43-24, including pulling down 12 offensive rebounds and turning that into 10 second-chance points.

Senior Greg Pulliam led the Choctaws with 17 points and four assists.  In the two tournament games, Pulliam tallied 43 points and nine helpers.

Senior Chad Jones and sophomore Brandon Blake each tallied eight points, while junior Adam Smith led the way with six rebounds.

Woodie Howard led five scorers in double-figures for Belhaven with 17 points.  Andrew Marshall tallied a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.  Chris Cofield was the only starter not to score in double-figures but recorded a game-high nine assists.

The Choctaws will get back to conference action on Thursday, January 5th when they host McMurry at 7:30 p.m. in the "Golden Dome".