Three Takeaways from Mississippi State Women's Basketball Win over Missouri

Mississippi State ended the regular season on a high note while also celebrating Senior Day at The Hump.

STARKVILLE, Miss – The Mississippi State Bulldogs ended the regular season with a much-needed 90-75 win over Missouri. It was an emotional day at Humphrey Coliseum as it was Senior Day, and the Bulldogs celebrated four starters. 

Jessika Carter, Erynn Barnum, Lauren Park-Lane, and Jerkaila Jordan were all honored before the game. It was important for Mississippi State to get a win to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive, and they did just that. 

What are some takeaways from the home win? 

Third Quarter

After a slow start, the Bulldogs exited the locker room, hitting on all cylinders. MSU came out and inserted their will on offense and defense. 

The offense was an impressive 12-16 from the field, including a perfect 4-4 from three. The Bulldogs guard did most of the work, which was a good sign for MSU fans. 

One player stood above all the rest: the senior Jerkaila Jordan. Jordan scored 18 points in the quarter, and it was not just open looks as the Louisiana native was pulling up and nailing contested shots. 

She went 8-9 from the field, and it was perhaps the best quarter of her career. That third quarter showed what this team is capable of, and it is what they looked like during their five-game winning streak earlier this year. 

Slow Start 

In the first quarter, it looked like the same story for MSU, but just a different game. The Bulldogs simply could not stop the Tigers, whether off the dribble or allowing open shots. 

Missouri finished the quarter 11-16 from the field. However, the Bulldogs did overcome the slow start with a solid second half. 

As Mississippi State goes forward, though, Mississippi State cannot start the game off slow. Slow starts have taken the Bulldogs from firmly in the NCAA tournament to the bubble. 

If Mississippi State wants to win in the SEC tournament, they must start the game quickly. 

Redemption 

Finally, a win for the Bulldogs after a brutal five-game losing streak. This team was spiraling out of control, and credit to MSU head coach Sam Purcell and his staff for making sure that his team did not fold after trailing at the end of the first half. 

Mississippi State is a team that nobody wants to play, as they have shown they are capable of beating anyone on any given night. The question will be, which Bulldog team shows up in the postseason? 

It is time for postseason basketball, and although the Bulldogs have limped into March, a new season is here. MSU must have this mindset in the future and not dwell on the past because that does not matter now. 

Mississippi State will be back in action Thursday at 11 a.m. CT in a must-win game against Texas A&M in Greenville, South Carolina. 

A Strong Third Quarter Leads the Way for Mississippi State Women’s Basketball