Once again, Rokila Wallace put on an incredible offensive show. Once again, it wasn’t enough.
The senior from Columbus shot 14 of 26 from the floor and 19 of 25 from the line for 47 points Tuesday, but the Mississippi University for Women women’s basketball team lost to Birmingham-Southern College for the second time in four days, 119-94 at Bill Bottle Coliseum in Birmingham, Alabama.
Both games were played at a frenetic pace, with the Owls dropping a 107-105 decision over the weekend in Jackson.
Wallace, just named the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s player of the week, also hauled in 13 rebounds.
Junior forward MG Chamberlain scored a season-high 18 points for the Owls, while senior guard Christiana Harris hit double figures for the third consecutive game with 15 points.
Jasmine Shaw contributed 6 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals, while Hannah Duran had a team-best 4 assists to go along with 4 rebounds, 4 points and 2 blocks. Maddie Guerin grabbed 7 rebounds.
The Owls committed 43 turnovers, which contributed to the Panthers taking 50 more shots, and couldn’t keep B-SC off the boards, with the Panthers tallying 42 offensive rebounds and outrebounding the Owls 72-58 overall. The Panthers won despite shooting just 17.5 percent from 3-point range (10 of 57); the Owls took, and missed, one shot from beyond the arc.
The Owls will take a respite for Thanksgiving, followed by finals, and resume action Dec. 5 with a 3 p.m. home game against Rhodes College.
Women’s soccer
Bulldogs add promising transfer
Mississippi State University women’s soccer coach James Armstrong has announced the addition of American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year Haley McWhirter, a transfer from East Carolina University.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome a player of Haley’s ability to the Hail State soccer family,” Armstrong said. “Haley had an exceptional inaugural collegiate season, and we are excited to add her goal-scoring prowess and creativity to our midfield group.”
McWhirter became the first player in ECU history to be named The American’s top newcomer. The midfielder was a unanimous pick for the conference’s All-Rookie Team and was named second-team all-conference.
She finished with 6 goals and an assist for 13 points and was a three-time conference rookie of the week. Starting in every game, she netted three game-winners for the Pirates, none more crucial than a goal during the 87th minute against Memphis that clinched a spot in the conference tournament for ECU.
McWhirter will be joining the Bulldogs this spring.
“The team loved her personality and is looking forward to the impact she will make on our team’s culture,” Armstrong said.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.