Three Takeaways From Mississippi State’s 75-71 Loss to Ole Miss

What happened to the Bulldogs in their loss to their rival Ole Miss

The Mississippi State Bulldogs went to Oxford hoping to sweep the series against their bitter rival, Ole Miss. However, MSU fell short of their goal as they dropped a 75-71 decision. 

The Bulldogs have now lost two games in a row after previously being on a five-game winning streak. What are some takeaways from this loss? 

Foul Trouble 

The Bulldogs struggled all afternoon with fouls as MSU players Jerkaila Jordan, Lauren Park-Lane, Darrione Rogers, Erynn Barum, and Jessika Carter had at least three fouls. Both Rogers and Carter fouled out, but Carter fouling out loomed large for the Bulldogs. 

Carter fouled out before the overtime period, and the Georgia native led MSU with 23 points in their first matchup with the Rebels. With Carter not on the court during overtime, the Bulldogs gave up a crucial offensive rebound to the Rebels on a missed free throw as they tried to rally back into the game. 

Ole Miss shot 30 free throws compared to only 12 for MSU, and the Rebels made 20. The foul trouble also made an impact on defense for the Bulldogs. 

Late Game Defense

After trailing most of the game, the Bulldogs led in the fourth quarter. MSU swelled the lead to eight with 5:25 remaining in regulation, but Mississippi State could not hold the lead. 

The Rebels went on a 10-2 run to end the fourth quarter, and it was enough to force overtime at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion. 

Slow Start 

The Bulldogs started slow in this game, as the Rebels led by as many as 12 points in the first quarter. MSU only trailed by six going into halftime. 

However, the Bulldogs did have the lead at the end of the third quarter. The slow start forced the Bulldogs to be even more intense on defense, and the refs did not allow much physicality all night, so MSU quickly found themselves in foul trouble. 

The Bulldogs can not let these two games hurt their morale because they are still in a good place, but they have less room for error than they did two weeks ago. MSU will be back in action as they return home Thursday against Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network+

Mississippi State Women's Basketball Loses in Overtime to Ole Miss, 75-71