Jackson, Miss. – The Millsaps Majors Men's Basketball Team traveled to Belhaven University to compete in the opening game of the Magnolia Classic against the Mississippi College Choctaws. The Majors shot 48% in the second half, but it would not be enough as the Choctaws shot a scorching 64% from the field in the second half to pull away from the Majors late and pick up the victory, 69-60.
 
The first half would be a struggle for both teams as they both shot just over 30% from the field for the first half with MC holding a 24-21 lead. Starting the second half, the Choctaws would increase their lead to as much as eight, but Millsaps continued to chip away at the deficit. Millsaps finally went ahead with 9:00 minutes remaining in the game after a layup by senior Jeff Brown.
 
The game would be tied at 51 after both teams traded baskets, but the Choctaws would pull away as they went on a 13-2 run to go up by 11 and close out Millsaps on this day.
 
Junior Nick Cortese led Millsaps with 14 points while junior Taylor Meades added 10. Sophomore Tully Gilligan added seven points, three assists, and two blocks. Greg Pulliam of Mississippi College led all scorers with 28 points on the night.
 
With the loss, the Majors fall to 5-4 on the season and are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on Rust College in the Consolation Game at 3 p.m. The Bearcats fell to the host, Belhaven in the nightcap, 84-54.