Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State bullies No. 7 Kentucky on the glass in 71-59 win

Mississippi State dominated Kentucky on the boards and held the Wildcats to 32 percent shooting in a 71–59 SEC win Sunday in Starkville.
Taylor Hodges|
Mississippi State players celebrate Sunday's upset win against No. 7 Kentucky.
Mississippi State players celebrate Sunday's upset win against No. 7 Kentucky. | Mississippi State Athletics

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Mississippi State BulldogsKentucky Wildcats

Mississippi State women's basketball team needed a big win amidst what may be it's toughest stretch of the season.

The Bulldogs got it Sunday, defeating No. 7 Kentucky 71-59 at Humphrey Coliseum.

Mississippi State dominated the Wildcats at the boards, out-rebounding them 52-35. Favour Nweaedozi registered her second 20-plus rebound game, grabbing 21 rebounds against Kentucky.

If Bulldogs' coach Sam Purcell looks for an area for improvement based on this game, he can look at the Bulldogs committing 14 turnovers compared to just six by Kentucky. The Wildcats were able to score 15 points of those turnovers.

Kharyssa Richardson scored a career-high 23 points, while Kentucky struggled from the field, shooting just 32 percent from the field and 5-of-29 from three, letting Mississippi State build and maintain control after halftime. Trayanna Crisp added key shooting (16 points, 4-of-5 3PT), and the Bulldogs outscored the Wildcats in the third quarter to pull away and snap a four-game losing streak in SEC play.

Additionally, freshman Madison Francis made an impact on the game with her six blocks despite going 3-for-12 on field goal attempts.

Mid-season addition makes first appearance

Mississippi State announced the signing of Melissa Guillet, a native of France playing professionally in Europe, a month ago. The newest Bulldog made her first appearance Sunday.

It was more of a quick introduction to being on the court than anything. Guillet didn't register a shot and logged just one minute of playing time. However, don't be surprised if her time on the court gradually increases as she grows more comfortable with her teammates and playing in a different country.

Mississippi State Top Performers

  • Points: Kharyssa Richardson, 23
  • Rebounds: Favour Nwaedozi, 21 (5 offense)
  • Assists: Destiney McPhaul, 6
  • Steals: Chandler Prater, 3
  • Blocks: Madison Francis, 6

Next Up

Mississippi State earned a big win against the Wildcats and get a week off to enjoy it.

The Bulldogs will be off Thursday and travel to No. 21 Alabama on Sunday. The Crimson Tide are coming off a 70-59 loss to No. 20 Tennessee about 30 minutes before the Bulldogs’ win. Tipoff in Tuscaloosa is set for 2 p.m. on SECN+.

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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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