STARKVILLE — Seconds after rattling home a 3-pointer from the right baseline, Rickea Jackson flicked her right pointer finger toward the court. Count it.
Just three of her 16 first half points, it was Jackson and senior guard Jordan Danberry’s combined 86.3 percent shooting performances that helped MSU to a 93-47 SEC-opening throttling of Florida Thursday night.
“I’m giddy about my kids tonight,” Schaefer said through a laugh. “I am beside myself about these young ladies and how they played.”
After arriving at Humphrey Coliseum early, Jackson spent time with Schaefer ahead of the game practicing trailer 3-pointers, jab steps and other offensive tools. It worked.
Showing a mix of inside and outside ability, Jackson offered a look at the offensive skillset that made her the No. 6 recruit in the class of 2019 as she took on defenders in the post, on the elbow and beyond the arc en route to a career-high 20 points on 9 of 11 shooting.
Flashing an aggression she’s shown in spurts this season, Jackson also fought violently on the boards — coraling a seven rebounds on the night, her third-highest single-game total of the year.
Alongside Jackson, Danberry turned in a 21-point, eight-assist performance that reminded onlookers why she warranted a preseason first team All-SEC nod despite cracking her nose in shootaround.
“A little toughness — I’m really proud of that,” Schaefer said. “The game honors toughness and I thought (Jordan) showed that.”
Helping MSU through a 35-3 run that spanned the final two minutes of the first quarter and well into the second, Danberry drove with her left hand off a cross-court pass from sophomore guard Xaria Wiggins before draining a tough floater inside the key with under 25 seconds remaining in the opening frame.
Moments later, the preseason first team All-SEC selection stole the ensuing inbounds pass, knocked in a layup, and drew an offensive foul to grant MSU the final shot of the frame.
Jackson capped off the 20-second clinic with a buzzer-beating jumper from the right elbow to put MSU ahead 27-12 at the end of one.
“It definitely gave us energy, a big boost,” Danberry said. “We always energetic when somebody makes a buzzer-beater or just anything for our teammates, we get excited.”
Racing to a rout, MSU continued its offensive onslaught into the second quarter as junior forward Yemiyah Morris turned in one of her most productive game of the year — notching six of her eight points in the frame as the Bulldogs outscored the Gators 28-12 in the game’s second 10 minutes.
“If she just defends and rebounds, there are minutes to be played for her,” Schaefer said. “And again, I thought tonight around the basket she was solid and did a good job — so I’m really happy we finally are seeing a little bit of light with her.”
With the win, MSU has now broken the 80-point mark in all but four of its 15 games this season and have eclipsed 90 points for the fifth time this year.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
