Three Takeaways from Mississippi State Women's Basketball 72-56 Loss to Texas A&M
lost a crucial game to Texas A&M in the second round of the SEC tournament. It was more of the same for MSU, which has lost six of its last seven games.
It was a frustrating day for the Bulldogs in Greenville; what stood out?
Another Slow Start
Once again, it was a slow start for MSU, which has been a consistent trend these past two months. The Bulldogs scored only nine points in the first quarter and were 3-17 from the field.
The second quarter did not yield much better results. They only scored 12 points, but shockingly, they were 6-12 from the field, which speaks to how poorly they took care of the basketball. Shockingly, the Bulldogs outscored the Aggies in the second quarter and only trailed by four heading into halftime.
MSU survived a lousy start to the first half but would not survive the next. Once again, it was an abysmal third quarter for the Bulldogs as they finished with 14 points on 6-16 from the field.
However, the Aggies recovered, caught fire in the second half, and scored 47 points. MSU's poor defense led to many open looks, and Texas A&M capitalized by shooting 17-26 from the field en route to a blowout win.
The Bulldogs have struggled to start both halves during this seven-game stretch, which may have cost them an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Jerkaila Jordan and Jessika Carter
Usually, when the game is not going well for Mississippi State, they can lean on their veteran guard and forward. MSU was not afforded that luxury today, as the pair only combined for 21 points.
The Bulldogs' early game plan was to feed Carter in the post. However, the Georgia native was overwhelmed by the Aggie pressure, which led to two turnovers, and she never got in a rhythm.
The focus shifted in the second half to the Bulldog guards, usually where Jordan shines. The Louisiana native is coming off a game in which she scored 18 points in the third quarter, but today, shots were not falling.
Jordan rarely got open looks and was forced to take some tough shots. She finished 3-13 from the field.
Both of these players were named to the All-SEC second team this week. With such little production from your two stars, it was a recipe for disaster for MSU.
Hanging On
Mississippi State came into the day in the Last Four In category of the latest bracketology. However, with a loss today, the Bulldogs may be watching the NCAA tournament at home.
It has been a weird year for MSU, as they went on a five-game winning streak, including beating LSU in front of a sold-out Humphrey Coliseum. Mississippi State head coach Sam Purcell was asking for a sell-out, and he got it, and the Bulldogs delivered for the fans.
Suddenly, that team is nowhere to be found, and things seem bleak for Mississippi State to make the tournament. The Bulldogs will learn their fate next Sunday during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on ESPN at 7 p.m. CT.
