ABILENE, Texas --- The Mississippi College men's basketball team shot 40% (8-20) from the three-point line, but it was not enough as they fell to Hardin-Simmons, 76-64, on Monday night at the Mabee Complex.

The Choctaws (4-4, 2-3 ASC) closed out the first half on a 12-2 run, capped off by a three-pointer from senior Kendre' Smith at the buzzer, to cut the Cowboys' (6-2, 5-1 ASC) lead to 31-30 at halftime.

MC grabbed a lead in the second half, and gained their largest advantage of the game at 54-45 when junior Laquavius Cotton tallied a steal and a dunk with 11:58 to go in the game.

The Cowboys would go on a 22-2 run over the next three minutes to seal the home conference victory.  MC could not get any closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Cotton led the Choctaws with 14 points, going 4-7 from the floor and 4-4 from the free throw line.  Juniors Lakin Ford and Turmonte Ragland each finished the game with 13 points.

Titus Mims led the Cowboys with 18 points, going 9-10 from the foul line.  George Nelson had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.  HSU outrebounded the Choctaws, 42-33.

The Choctaws will be back in action on Friday at the Orlando Magic Classic when they face Hope College at 6:00 p.m. Central.  MC will then play Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday at the same time.