Four Themes From Mississippi State Women's Basketball Win Over Florida

The Bulldogs got a much-needed road win against the Gators to get back to .500 in SEC play this season.

Mississippi State basketball came into Gainesville needing a win to get back to .500 in SEC play. The Bulldogs did just that by beating the Gators 89-77. What stood out from the win?

Fast Pace

The tempo for this game was set early by the Bulldogs, as MSU was racing up and down the floor, hitting shots in transition. The Gators weathered the hot start and started making their own shots, showing no interest in slowing down the pace. 

The Gators never led in this game, but the fast tempo kept them in the game as the Bulldogs attempted multiple times to pull away from the Gators. MSU had a 7-9 point lead multiple times, but every time they did, the Gators seemed to always hit back-to-back shots to trim the margin. 

MSU head coach Sam Purcell decided to show some full-court pressure in the second half, and that pressure helped the Bulldogs maintain and expand their lead. 

Dynamic Duo

Jerkaila Jordan and Jessika Carter always seem to be at the forefront of every SEC win for the Bulldogs. The pair each had double-doubles and combined for 41 points and 27 rebounds.

The two make for a perfect duo with Jordan's ability to get to the rim and Carter, who moves well without the ball and always finds an open spot in the defense when guards are attacking the rim. When this duo is on, they are among the best 1-2 punches in college basketball. 

Off The Bench Production

The Bulldogs had 19 points off the bench last night, including an excellent game from Darrione Rodgers, who scored 11 points. Mjracle Sheppard also chipped in five points while providing her usual defensive intensity.

The Bulldogs also saw the return of 6-4 forward Nyayongah Gony. Gony's length was an issue for the Gators as the Bulldogs shifted into half-court and full-court pressure. 

Offensive Explosion

The Bulldogs came into the game struggling a bit on offense and were only averaging 66 points a game, and suddenly, MSU played their best offensive game of conference play. The offensive outburst is a testament to the Bulldogs' depth in the post and at guard. 

Carter and Jordan have been playing well, but Debreasha Powe adding 13 points and Lauren Park-Lane scoring 12 are great signs for the Bulldogs. If MSU can continue playing a balanced offense, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. 

Mississippi State Women's Basketball Defeats Florida 89-77