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Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Dominates South Carolina State

News Summary

The Mississippi State University women’s basketball team delivered an outstanding performance, defeating South Carolina State University 95-47. This victory marks their first home game in over five weeks and highlights their impressive non-conference record of 13 wins and 1 loss. The Bulldogs showcased incredible teamwork, with six players scoring in double figures and a strong defensive strategy leading to 28 turnovers by SCSU. As they prepare for SEC play, MSU looks to build on this momentum despite the absence of key player Debreasha Powe.

Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Shines Bright, Dominating South Carolina State

Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State University (MSU) women’s basketball team showcased an impressive performance on December 29, 2024, as they crushed the South Carolina State University (SCSU) with a staggering score of 95-47 during their first game back at Humphrey Coliseum in over five weeks. This thrilling match not only wrapped up MSU’s non-conference games with a remarkable record of 13 wins and 1 loss, but it also set the stage for an exciting start to the new year.

Explosive Start and Strategy

From the very beginning, the Bulldogs put on a display of skill and teamwork, forcing SCSU into committing a whopping 28 turnovers—a staggering number that resulted in 41 points for MSU. It was clear that the Bulldogs were ready to capitalize on every opportunity, leading to a dominating game that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Although SCSU boasted an admirable shooting percentage of 47.4%, they simply couldn’t keep pace with MSU’s aggressive defense and clever rotations. The Bulldogs attempted 26 more shots than their opponents, ensuring they consistently applied pressure and took control of the game.

A Team Effort

The highlight of the evening was the incredible teamwork, as six players from MSU scored in double figures—the first time this season for such a remarkable feat. Leading the charge was Madina Okot, who scored an impressive 16 points and made every attempt count, going 7-for-7 from the floor along with two successful free throws. This stellar performance followed her previous career-high of 26 points against Maryland-Eastern Shore.

But Okot wasn’t the only one shining under the spotlight. Denim DeShields was a key orchestrator with 9 assists, helping MSU accumulate an impressive total of 27 assists on 38 made field goals. Off the bench, Destiney McPhaul brought the crowd to their feet, delivering 14 points and making 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.

Both Chandler Prater and Terren Ward contributed solid numbers, with Prater tying her season high at 14 points while grabbing 8 rebounds, and Ward adding 12 points in just 21 minutes of play. They were backed up by a well-rounded group with Eniya Russell and Jerkaila Jordan supporting the effort with 11 and 10 points, respectively. McPhaul’s night was sweetened even further by a career-high of 5 steals, grabbing crucial turnovers from SCSU.

Rebounding and Fast Break Control

Throughout the game, MSU exhibited their strength in rebounding, with an outstanding total of 43 rebounds compared to SCSU’s 20. They enjoyed a decisive edge in both fast-break points (23-6) and points in the paint (42-18), demonstrating their athleticism and determination to dominate every aspect of the game. Furthermore, their ability to secure 14 offensive rebounds led to a staggering 15-3 advantage in second-chance points, allowing them to keep pressing their advantage.

Looking Ahead

With the non-conference games now in the rearview mirror, the Blue and White are gearing up to tackle their SEC opponents. The next game is set to be an exciting match against No. 16 Kentucky, taking place on January 1, 2025. However, without junior sharpshooter Debreasha Powe, who is sidelined with a foot injury, the squad will need to continue their impressive teamwork and build on this solid performance to kick off the SEC with a bang.

As the Bulldogs stride into the new year, fans can expect high levels of anticipation and excitement as they aim for greater heights in the competitive world of SEC basketball!