Victoria Vivians claimed the 3-point title at Maroon Madness on Friday night.
Bulldogs Kick Off Season With Maroon Madness
October 13, 2017 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Humphrey Coliseum was filled with 3-pointers, high-flying dunks and the electic dance performances of iLuminate as the Mississippi State men's and women's basketball teams kicked off the 2017-18 season with Maroon Madness on Friday night.
The evening opened with the world-renowned dance group that shot to fame on America's Got Talent before Vic Schaefer's reigning national finalist women's squad and Ben Howland's men's team were introduced to the stellar crowd.
"I was really happy our kids had the opportunity to experience such a great environment like we had tonight in the Hump," Schaefer said. "We appreciate everyone who came out to Maroon Madness tonight and made it a great experience for our student-athletes."
Basketball festivities got underway with a hot shot contest. Hail State Hoops freshman Chloe Bibby joined with Xavian Stapleton and MSU student Thomas Mogish to take the championship.
Stapleton also won the dunk contest, clinching the victory for the second-straight year with a between-the-leg reverse slam that brought the crowd to its feet.
"This is a great opportunity for our players to have fun and interact with our fans," Howland said. "I thought the turnout was great and I know our players appreciated the support."
The women's squad then took the court for 4-on-4 action, with Jazzmun Holmes, Roshunda Johnson, Jordan Danberry, Ameshya Williams and Jonika Garvin claiming the win.
State also wowed the fans with buckets from downtown during the 3-point contest. Quinndary Weatherspoon knocked off Drew Davis in the men's final, while Victoria Vivians took the contest on the women's side over classmate Blair Schaefer.
Both squads open the season with a Nov. 10 doubleheader at Humphrey Coliseum. The Bulldog men face Alabama State at 5:30 p.m., while the women's team hosts Virginia at 8 p.m. Between games there will be a special Final Four banner-raising ceremony to commemorate last season's historic run to the national title game.
Season tickets, as well as tickets to the season-opening doubleheader, can be purchased online at www.hailstate.com/tickets.
The evening opened with the world-renowned dance group that shot to fame on America's Got Talent before Vic Schaefer's reigning national finalist women's squad and Ben Howland's men's team were introduced to the stellar crowd.
"I was really happy our kids had the opportunity to experience such a great environment like we had tonight in the Hump," Schaefer said. "We appreciate everyone who came out to Maroon Madness tonight and made it a great experience for our student-athletes."
Basketball festivities got underway with a hot shot contest. Hail State Hoops freshman Chloe Bibby joined with Xavian Stapleton and MSU student Thomas Mogish to take the championship.
Stapleton also won the dunk contest, clinching the victory for the second-straight year with a between-the-leg reverse slam that brought the crowd to its feet.
"This is a great opportunity for our players to have fun and interact with our fans," Howland said. "I thought the turnout was great and I know our players appreciated the support."
The women's squad then took the court for 4-on-4 action, with Jazzmun Holmes, Roshunda Johnson, Jordan Danberry, Ameshya Williams and Jonika Garvin claiming the win.
State also wowed the fans with buckets from downtown during the 3-point contest. Quinndary Weatherspoon knocked off Drew Davis in the men's final, while Victoria Vivians took the contest on the women's side over classmate Blair Schaefer.
Both squads open the season with a Nov. 10 doubleheader at Humphrey Coliseum. The Bulldog men face Alabama State at 5:30 p.m., while the women's team hosts Virginia at 8 p.m. Between games there will be a special Final Four banner-raising ceremony to commemorate last season's historic run to the national title game.
Season tickets, as well as tickets to the season-opening doubleheader, can be purchased online at www.hailstate.com/tickets.
Players Mentioned
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