Madina Okot was already doing a fine job replacing one of the best players in Mississippi State history in the post. But in the final game of the Bulldogs’ eight-game stretch away from Starkville, Okot took things to another level.
Taking over for Jessika Carter at center, Okot was on a streak of three straight double-doubles entering Friday’s contest at Maryland-Eastern Shore. She proceeded to score a career-high 26 points on 13-for-16 shooting to help MSU overcome a shaky first half and defeat the Hawks, 70-52.
Eniya Russell, who did not play in the second half Tuesday night at Louisiana-Monroe, came off the bench Friday for the first time all season but played 27 minutes and had a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Leading scorer Jerkaila Jordan was limited to six points on 3-for-12 from the floor, including 0-for-4 from behind the arc, but she was a force on defense with two blocks and three steals.
The Bulldogs (12-1) turned the ball over 15 times, which is sure to leave head coach Sam Purcell displeased, but they forced 25 turnovers and had a 9-0 edge in fastbreak points. MSU finished 4-for-22 as a team from 3-point range but bullied UMES in the paint, outscoring the Hawks 50-18 there. UMES (4-9) was just 7-for-16 on layups.
It took nearly seven minutes for the Hawks to score as MSU jumped out to a 9-0 lead. UMES fought back and made it a close game throughout the second quarter before a Denim DeShields 3-pointer helped the Bulldogs open up an eight-point advantage at the break. The Hawks remained within striking distance until MSU went ahead by double digits for good midway through the third quarter.
After a week off for Christmas, the Bulldogs return to Humphrey Coliseum for the first time in more than a month on Dec. 29 to close out non-conference play against South Carolina State. MSU’s Southeastern Conference opener is Jan. 2 at No. 16 Kentucky.
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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.
