News Summary
The Mississippi State women’s basketball team faced a challenging match against USC in the second round of the NCAA tournament, ending their season with a 96-59 defeat. Despite a promising season and a recent victory over California, the Bulldogs struggled offensively and defensively against the top-seeded Trojans, who maintained a commanding lead throughout the game. Leading scorer Jerkaila Jordan contributed significantly, but the team’s overall performance fell short. As they reflect on their tournament journey, Mississippi State looks forward to future growth under coach Sam Purcell.
Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Faces Tough Roadblock in NCAA Tournament
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the Mississippi State women’s basketball team encountered a challenging adversary in the form of the USC Trojans during the second round of the NCAA tournament on March 21, 2025. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were dealt a heavy blow, concluding their season with a disappointing 96-59 loss against the top-seeded Trojans.
A Season to Remember
This year’s tournament marked an exciting return for Mississippi State, as they made their way back to March Madness after a two-year absence. With a season record of 22-12 and a recent victory over California in the first round, the Bulldogs seemed poised to make a splash. However, the road ahead proved to be challenging, especially against a formidable opponent like USC.
USC’s Dominance on Display
USC entered the game as the No. 1 seed, boasting an impressive overall record of 30-3. Despite losing their star player JuJu Watkins to a knee injury in the first quarter, the Trojans displayed remarkable strength and skill throughout the game. They quickly established a commanding lead, pulling ahead by as much as 46 points and leaving the Bulldogs struggling to keep pace.
Struggles for the Bulldogs
The game got off to a rocky start for Mississippi State, as the Bulldogs endured a dismal first quarter, ending the period with just 8 points compared to USC’s impressive 28. Overall, the Bulldogs managed to shoot only 31% from the field, a statistic that underscored their offensive challenges. Despite their efforts, they found it nearly impossible to overcome the substantial deficit that developed early in the game.
Bright Spots in a Challenging Game
Even in the face of adversity, there were glimmers of hope for Mississippi State. Leading scorer Jerkaila Jordan stepped up with 17 points, showcasing her determination. The Bulldogs did manage to trim a 24-point deficit down to 15 at one point, but unfortunately, they faltered before halftime, allowing USC to maintain a commanding lead heading into the break.
Defensive and Offensive Setbacks
Mississippi State struggled not only on the offensive end but also had issues on defense. In the first quarter alone, they were just 3-for-16 from the floor and committed six turnovers, which severely hindered their ability to mount a comeback. These statistics reveal the significant challenges they faced against the Trojans, who proved to be relentless on both sides of the court.
Looking Ahead
The season’s end also means a notable change for Mississippi State as they reflect on their NCAA journey. Under the leadership of coach Sam Purcell, the Bulldogs ended the tournament with a record of 3-1. Their journey began with a win over California, where they showcased an impressive ability to improve their shooting in the second half, ultimately securing a 59-46 victory.
A Farewell to March Madness
Mississippi State’s time in the NCAA tournament came to a close, but their resilient spirit will not be forgotten. After a tough matchup against USC, the Bulldogs can take pride in their ability to return to March Madness and compete fiercely. As they look forward, fans are hopeful for a bright future as the team continues to grow and evolve in the seasons to come.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs USC NCAA Tournament Recap
- Hail State: Bulldogs Open NCAA Tournament Against California
- NCAA: California vs Mississippi State Condensed Game
- ESPN: California vs Mississippi State Recap
- USA Today: California vs Mississippi State Predictions and Picks
