The loss drops ETBU to 3-8 on the season and 3-6 in conference play, while MC strengthened its hold on the ASC East by improving to 11-2 and 9-2.
The Choctaws outscored the Tigers by five in each half (37-32; 49-44) but won the game at the charity stripe. By comparison, ETBU was sent to the line only 17 times on the night, making 14.
The Tigers cut the lead to three with less than five minutes to go but couldn't catch the Choctaws down the stretch.
ETBU was led by guard Cedric Isom, who scored a game-high 23 points with four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Isom was 6-of-6 from the free throw line, but far the busiest Tiger at the charity stripe.
Three other players reached double figures for ETBU, led by Allen Colbert's 17 points and Chris Isom's 16. Rodney Calhoun added 10 points.
MC was led by Tyler Winford's 21 points.
The Tigers return to action Saturday, facing Louisiana College in Pineville, La., in a very crucial contest for ETBU. The game tips off at 3 p.m. in Pineville.