Mississippi State Women’s Basketball trounces UT Martin 82-46

It was a complete effort on both ends of the floor, as the Bulldogs earned their second win of the season.

Jessika Carter and Chloe Bibby led the way, having combined for 31 points and 15 rebounds. The duo ruled the paint and set the tone early. Carter and Bibby have gotten off to a blazing start and look to be poised for career years.

Freshman guard Aliyah Matharu put on an offensive show with 15 points and is emerging as a formidable weapon for the Bulldogs. Matharu was fresh off a 10-point outing against Southern Miss. Expect her to earn quality minutes going forward. Fellow guards JaMya Mingo-Young-Young and Xaria Wiggins combined for 15 points.

As Mississippi State committed 21 total turnovers against Southern, the Bulldogs seemed to have addressed the issue, having reduced that number to 13. Defensively, Mississippi State thrived, as they forced 20 from the Skyhawks.

Though it was a rout, the Bulldogs truly came alive in the second half. A second half team for all of last season, this year’s squad must turn that around and jump out of the gate quickly. Overall, the Bulldogs look the part, but will have to set the tone early, as they host Murray State on Friday.