The Mississippi State University women’s basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season after an impressive 77-40 win over the University of North Alabama Lions.
With Humphrey Coliseum’s electric energy, the Bulldogs held off the Lions in the first six minutes and 12 seconds of the quarter as part of an 18-0 run. The Lions had two free throws that put them on the board.
MSU’s defense performed strongly against UNA as they held the Lions to a 20% shooting average in the first quarter and forced seven turnovers in the last eight minutes of the game. In the postgame presser, Bulldogs head coach Sam Purcell discussed the performance from his team early in the game.
“I was happy with the first quarter. It was a great way to jump out and make a statement,” Purcell said. “It allowed me to do some things that I don’t necessarily do because we have a big game next week. I saw a lot of great things.”
At the half, the Bulldogs honored LaToya Thomas with a jersey retirement by hanging her number 32 uniform in the rafters.
Jessika Carter showed out defensively for the Bulldogs, as she recorded the 20th double-double of her career. She had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Debreasha Powe recorded the first double-double of her career with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Ahlana Smith also had a notable night with four rebounds, four assists and five steals to help MSU get the win. JerKaila Jordan, the driving force of the Bulldogs’ offense, ended the night with 17 points, six rebounds and four steals.
In the last four minutes of the game, the Bulldogs held the Lions scoreless. That solidified their win via a final score of 40-77. After the win, coach Purcell spoke to the media about preparing the team before the game against the Lions.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my team,” coach Purcell said. “I challenged them after Wednesday’s game. Thursday was a light walk through, and I told them that they had to bring it on Friday. I’m pumped to start out 2-0 and ready to see where we go from here.”
MSU women’s basketball hits the road on Monday to play the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits at 6 p.m. at the Frost Arena in Brookings, South Dakota.
