Locked in a tight battle with Southeastern Louisiana throughout the first half, Mississippi State used runs of 12-0 and 11-0 in the third quarter to ultimately cruise to a 67-46 victory over the Lions on Friday night.
Senior post player Ramani Parker drew a start in place of sixth-year Jessika Carter, but left the game with an injury after playing just five minutes. Sophomore Debreasha Powe led the No. 25 Bulldogs (2-0) with 19 points and nine rebounds, knocking down five 3-pointers. Carter did play 29 minutes off the bench, finishing with 12 points, and JerKaila Jordan added 13 points and four steals.
“We’re praying for good news (on Parker),” MSU head coach Sam Purcell said. “That was hard to see her yelling and crying right there in front of our bench.”
The defending Southland Conference champions led by as many as six points early, and the Bulldogs did not take their first lead of the night until Powe’s second 3-pointer with four seconds left in the opening quarter.
The second quarter was a defensive battle on both sides — neither team scored for nearly four minutes with the game tied 20-20, and MSU missed 11 consecutive shots — but a 3-pointer by Jordan put the Bulldogs back in front in the final minute of the first half.
MSU was a mere 4-for-24 from 3-point range in their season-opening win Monday over Alcorn State, and apart from Powe, outside shooting remained a concern against SELA (1-1), with everyone else going a combined 1-for-13 from behind the arc. Purcell’s team did, at least, have more assists (16) than turnovers (11) this time.
“When (Powe) hits shots, we’re just a different team,” Purcell said. “It stretches the collapse of the defense. I get angry as a coach, but I tell her to smile. When she smiles, it just uplifts our team.”
The Bulldogs are right back in action Sunday, when Jacksonville State visits Humphrey Coliseum.
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.
Join the Discussion