Lady Bulldogs Secure Victory In First Road Test Of Season

Friday, November 28

Lafayette, La.

2:00 PM

Mississippi State

4-0

Louisiana-Lafayette

0-6

Team	1	2	F
Mississippi State	40	31	71
Louisiana	21	17	38

Lady Bulldogs Secure Victory In First Road Test Of Season

November 28, 2008 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: hailstate.com

? Official Statistics
? Official Statistics (PDF)

LAFAYETTE, La. - Two different 16-2 runs highlighted a high-octane first half of basketball as Mississippi State cruised past Louisiana-Lafayette 71-38 in women's basketball action Friday afternoon at Earl K. Long Memorial Gym.

MSU improved to 4-0 by winning its first game away from home for the 2007-08 season. Led by former MSU assistant Errol Rogers, the Cajuns fell to 0-6 on the season. MSU plays six of its first seven games at home this season. After celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday on the road yesterday, MSU can now focus on fall exams, sandwiched around a second three-game homestand.

In the early stages Friday, MSU actually trailed 7-3. The Lady Bulldogs then used the next five minutes to piece together their first 16-2 run. MSU used defensive pressure to force four turnovers during that run. Donnisha Tate had three defensive rebounds during this run, which was capped by back-to-back baskets by Chanel Mokango.

After a basket by ULL's Alexis Green, the guests then rolled off another 16-2 run.

Tysheka Grimes and Mary Kathryn Govero provided the offensive spark for this run. MSU also received solid contributions from its bench, helping to maintain the early advantage. Thanks in part to the two runs, the Lady Bulldogs held a comfortable 40-21 advantage at the break.

In the final half, a 16-4 run by MSU allowed the guests to open up a 63-34 advantage with 3:40 remaining. That run was again fueled by great defensive pressure and capped by a 3-point basket from Armelie Lumanu.

Bethany Washington also had five quick points during the run, including a 3-point basket of her own. After a pair of quick baskets by ULL, MSU scored the game's final eight points, including back-to-back 3-pointers from Lauren Roberts and Channa Campbell.

For the contest, the Lady Bulldogs were 30 of 67 from the field (44.4 percent). MSU was 7 of 22 from 3-point range (31.7 percent) and 4 of 6 at the foul line (66.7 percent). ULL could not overcome a horrible shooting start. The Cajuns were 14 of 61 from the field (22.6 percent), 2 of 10 from 3-point range (20.0 percent) and 8 of 11 at the foul line (72.3 percent).

MSU held a commanding 50-34 advantage in the rebounding department. The Lady Bulldogs pulled down 17 offensive boards. MSU had 15 assists but made 15 turnovers.

The Cajuns had seven assists and 15 turnovers, as well. The Lady Bulldogs were credited with five blocked shots.

Govero led a balance offensive attack, collecting 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting in 20 minutes of work. Govero also had four steals on the defensive end. Robin Porter added nine points, while Mokango scored eight points. Porter also had a team-high nine rebounds.

For MSU, 12 players played with 11 of them scoring.

ULL received a game-high 11 points from Mercedes Johnson. D'Mya Clay had a team-high nine rebounds for the Cajuns.

The Lady Bulldogs return home for a midweek tilt with Louisiana Tech. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Humphrey Coliseum. The three-game homestand then concludes with Nicholls State (December 7th) and Memphis (December 14th).