MAITLAND, Fla. --- The Mississippi College men's basketball team could not overcome a cold-shooting first half as they fell to #17 Illinois Wesleyan, 67-50, at the RDV DIII Classic held at the RDV Sportsplex on the campus of the Orlando Magic.

The Choctaws (5-5) missed their first 12 shots from the floor and were just 3-27 (11.1%) from the floor in the first half.  The Titans (7-2), on the other hand, went 16-29 (55.2%) from the floor and were 8-16 from the three-point line in the half.

The second half was a different story as MC was able to outscore IWU 41-23 and shot 54% from the floor.  Junior Turmonte Ragland led the Choctaws with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Senior Kendre' Smith was also in double-figures, scoring 10 points, eight of which came in the second half.  Juniors Lakin Ford and Laquavius Cotton each had nine points in the second period.

The MC defense had 14 steals and forced 19 Titan turnovers.  Kendre' Smith led the way with four swipes.

Illinois Wesleyan was led by Andrew Ziemnik with 17 points, going 5-8 from the three-point line.  Ziemnik also had a game-high nine rebounds.  Pat Sodemann was also in double-figures with 13 points.

The Choctaws will now have some time off for the Christmas holidays before returning to action on Thursday, January 3rd when they host Schreiner at 7:30 p.m.