No. 9 Mississippi State avoids upset, edges Auburn 78-73

As Auburn put up a valiant fight, Mississippi State had their work cut out for them.

Through a rocky first two quarters, the Bulldogs quickly found themselves down 40-33 at the half. Plagued by self-inflicted wounds, the Tigers had their way early. Come the third quarter, the Bulldogs returned to form while still in a back and fourth. But with 2:03 left, courtesy of leading scorer Rickea Jackson, things shifted, as the Bulldogs took a 53-51 lead and never looked back.

That said, the Tigers kept themselves in it at the expense of Jessika Carter fouling out with 3:47 to go. In the Bulldogs win, Rickea Jackson posted 22 points off the bench. Jordan Danberry added 13 along with six boards, five assists, and two steals. Though the Bulldogs committed 18 turnovers, they forced Auburn into 24. Expect an even stronger defensive effort Monday evening against Georgia.