J.R. Williams complemented Tennison by scoring a season-high 16 points, including 6-of-7 from the free throw line, and dishing out five assists.
The game, which featured 13 lead changes and seven ties, was closely contested throughout as each team held a lead of no more than six points.
The Choctaws were led by Cedric Armstrong and Willie Powers with 17 and 14 points, respectively.
After a Lonnie Vasquez lay-in that gave the visitors their last lead at 57-56 with 5 minutes and 27 seconds left, McMurry responded with a trey by Terence Mirabal and a jumper from Williams as the Indians went ahead for good. In fact, Williams scored eight points--including four free throws--down the stretch to ice it.
The two programs have combined to capture seven of the last eight conference championships. Mississippi College won titles in 1998-99, 2002-03 and McMurry in 1997, 2000-01.