Mississippi State handles LSU 79-49, advances to SEC Tournament semifinal

Led by Rickea Jackson’s third Double double of the season, the Bulldogs proved to be too much for the Tigers in Greenville.

As the Bulldogs have been known to be a second half team, tonight’s matchup was a tale of two halves. Early on, Tiger tandem Khayla Pointer and Faustine Aifuwa could not be stopped. Further, Jackson along with Jessika Carter, and Chloe Bibby were scoreless in the first. But as time wained, Pointer found herself in early foul trouble with two.

With Pointer on the bench to start the second, the Bulldogs took advantage. While Jackson was held to just four points in the half, Jordan Danberry was there to pick things up. Still in a in a back and forth and down 25-23, Jackson found Andra Espinoza-Hunter who shifted momentum, having hit a long-distance three-pointer at the buzzer to end the half.

A dogfight soon became a track meet as Jackson erupted for 23 points, 10 boards, three assists, two steals, and a block. Danberry added 18 points, five boards, three assists, and two steals. While Carter found herself in foul trouble with four, Yemiyah Morris filled in and was a factor in the paint.

In addition to their offensive display, the Bulldogs stayed true to their defensive identity, having forced 16 turnovers that resulted in 20 points. Look for the Bulldogs to address their first half woes and be off and running from opening tip come the semifinal.

Hail State!