Boxscore

CLINTON, Miss. -- Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team dropped its American Southwest opener against Mississippi College, 103-86, Saturday afternoon at the A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton, Miss.

Mississippi College used an almost flawless first half to take command of the game. The Choctaws hit 20-of-36 shots, including seven 3-pointers and a 13-for-13 performance at the free throw line. To take a 60-37 halftime lead. The Choctaws only had three turnovers in the first half as well.

HSU battled in the second half and on a couple of occasions cut the deficit down to 15 points, but the first half surge was too much for the Cowboys to overcome.

Freshman John Derr had 21 points to pace five Cowboys in double figures. Courtney Lockridge (14) and Derek Bryant (10) each had career bests in scoring. Carlos Singer and Casey Riddle each had 10 points for HSU.

Luther Suggs paced MC with 15 points as the Choctaws had 16 players score in the game.

HSU is now 0-3 on the year and 0-1 in ASC play. The Choctaws are now 3-0 on the year and 1-0 in league play. HSU will play at Louisiana College on Monday at 7:30. The game can be heard on www.hsuathletics.com.