TYLER, TX - The Mississippi College women's basketball team came back from a 10-point first half deficit to pick up a 59-57 win at the University of Texas at Tyler on Saturday afternoon in the Herrington Patriot Center.

In the first half, the Patriots (9-10, 6-9 ASC) shot 55% (12-22) from the floor, including making 4-5 three-pointers to take a 37-33 lead.  Melissa Thomas led the way for UT Tyler with 20 first half points, going 6-8 from the floor and making all four three-pointers.

The Lady Choctaws (11-7, 9-5 ASC) stepped up the defensive effort in the second half, holding the Patriots to just 26% shooting and Thomas to just one point.

MC led by as many as eight points in the second half, but a free throw by She'Cara Humphrey tied the game at 57-57 with just :28 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing possession, junior Traci Rodgers made a layup on an assist by freshman Madelyn Cross that gave MC a lead, 59-57.  Thomas missed a shot on the other end for the Patriots as the Lady Choctaws held on for the victory.

Junior Caitlin Brown led the Lady Choctaws with a career-high 17 points on 7-17 shooting.  Rodgers came off the bench to score 12 points, going 7-8 from the foul line.  Junior Kristin Newsome had a team-high eight rebounds off the bench.

Thomas led UT Tyler with 21 points, while point guard Lindsey Hausmann had 16.  Humphrey had 13 points and a team-high six boards.

The Lady Choctaws will return home to face LeTourneau on Thursday night at 5:30 p.m.