clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Who will be Mississippi State Women’s College Basketball’s X-factor next year?

A star in the making, Aliyah Matharu is well beyond her years and is sure to be a factor come next season.

https://hailstate.com/galleries/womens-basketball/wbk-vs-south-carolina-sec-tournament/5267 MSU Athletics

Standing at 5-foot-7, Matharu made the most of her freshman campaign, having averaged 7.1 points per game off the bench.

A spark plug for the Bulldogs second unit, Matharu was most formidable in the third quarter. Matharu can score in bunches from anywhere on the floor. Whether it be in the paint, midrange, or beyond the arc, Matharu is unafraid to pull the trigger. Expect a multitude of shot attempts next year.

That said, Matharu can be a risk taker defensively. While she posted a season high four steals against Arkansas, Matharu found herself in foul trouble with three. Look for Vic Schaefer to help Matharu develop a well rounded defensive game.

Overall, Matharu should see the floor more often than not. Given the Bulldogs struggle to maintain early leads, Matharu’s play just may be next year’s solution.

Hail State!