Broadcast Information

The game is at 6 p.m. CT and can be watched on ESPN2.

What to Watch For

Battle for the paint

Where the Bulldogs have been most inconsistent, the Gamecocks have been most formidable. At 6-foot-5, Jessika Carter will have to impose her will on the boards. Moreover, it will take a double-double from Carter if the Bulldogs look to leave Columbia, South Carolina with a win. Set to go toe to toe with Gamecock forward Aliyah Boston, also listed at 6-foot-5, each must avoid foul trouble and take advantage of second chance opportunities.

Fresh off a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds against LSU, look for a similar performance from Carter. As she added three steals and three blocks to her stat line, Carter must do so tonight and catch Boston off guard early.

Rickea Jackson and Jordan Danberry from midrange

As the Bulldogs have emerged into one of the nation’s most prolific offenses, Jackson and Danberry have led the way. Danberry can create her own shot and gets better as the game goes on. She is having a career season, averaging 14.2 points per game and has shown up in big moments. Look for coach Vic Schaefer to call her number throughout.

While Schaefer decided to take Jackson out of the starting lineup against the Tigers, fellow guard Andra Espinoza-Hunter made the most of the opportunity, having posted 10 points and just two turnovers. However, Jackson should earn the majority of minutes and take advantage this evening.

Jackson, who stands at 6-foot-2, will not have a height advantage, as she will be head to head with 6-foot-2 senior forward Mikiah Herbert Harrigan. Like Carter and Boston, Jackson and Herbert Harrigan are identical in height.

Though Jackson is posting 13.2 points and Herbert Harrigan 12.8, it will be a battle of experience against raw talent. While Jackson, a freshman, is new to the primetime spotlight, the question is whether or not she can make the most of it and be a factor offensively.

Mississippi State from the free-throw line

As the Bulldogs shot 8-of-19 from the line in last week’s matchup, they cannot afford to do so against the Gamecocks. In fact, the Bulldogs will have to be near perfect from the line tonight. Sure to draw multiple fouls, especially in the paint, the Bulldogs will have their share of opportunities.

Prediction

Mississippi State loses a nail-biter, 88-83