A Strong Third Quarter Leads the Way for Mississippi State Women’s Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss – The Mississippi State Bulldogs ended their five-game losing streak with a 90-75 win over Missouri. The Bulldogs finally returned to form, and although the first half looked like much of the same, MSU came out with a new energy in the second half.
The intensity was there in the first half, and Bulldog head coach Sam Purcell showed it on the sideline. Purcell is always animated on the sideline, but there was extra gear for the second-year head coach in the first half.
There was also an extra gear to senior guard Jerkaila Jordan in the third quarter. The Louisiana native scored 18 of the Bulldogs' 28 points and made tough shots.
"I probably had the most energy because…… I was in foul trouble," Jordan said.
Jordan was celebrated before the game during the Bulldogs Senior Day festivities, and the crowd was chanting, "One more year." Jordan is still undecided about her future.
"It means a lot to the fans, and they mean a lot to me," Jordan said. "Right now, we're looking to play in March…. I don't wanna look too far ahead."
The Bulldog defense also stepped up in the third quarter, as they only allowed 15 points. The Tigers shot an abysmal 5-15 from the field, including 1-8 from three.
MSU shot 12-16 and was a perfect 4-4 from three in the third quarter.
Darrione Rogers scored 22 points off the bench for MSU and was 2-2 from beyond the arch in the third quarter.
This has been a back-and-forth regular season for Mississippi State, but it was vital for the Bulldogs to end this losing streak before post-season play begins. MSU will likely need to win at least a game in the SEC tournament to feel safe on Selection Sunday.
Mississippi State will be back in action Thursday at 11 a.m. CT against Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
