McCowan, Howard Named to Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist
January 25, 2019 | Women's Basketball
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Coordinator/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State landed two players on the Atlanta Tipoff Club's midseason watchlist for the Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Award presented by Bona.
After winning the inaugural award last year, Teaira McCowan is again in the running. The Brenham, Texas, native has blocked shots at a rate of 2.6 bpg, the highest of her career, this year. According to HerHoopStats.com, McCowan blocks 9.9 percent of her opponents' field goal attempts inside the arc, which puts her in the top 2 percent of the nation.
McCowan grabs the rebound on 26.9 percent of her opportunities, the nation's best rate. She is second in the nation and leads the SEC in rebounding (13.5 rpg).
Anriel Howard also made the list for MSU, making State one of two schools along with Baylor with multiple student-athletes in consideration for the award.
Howard is seventh in the SEC in rebounding at 7.8 rpg, and her 84 defensive rebounds are second only to McCowan for MSU. She has recorded 26 steals and 10 blocks this year.
Semifinalists for the award will be named in February. The Bulldogs return to the court on Sunday, Jan. 27 when they host Ole Miss at 2 p.m. CT. Sunday's game will air on SEC Network.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State landed two players on the Atlanta Tipoff Club's midseason watchlist for the Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Award presented by Bona.
After winning the inaugural award last year, Teaira McCowan is again in the running. The Brenham, Texas, native has blocked shots at a rate of 2.6 bpg, the highest of her career, this year. According to HerHoopStats.com, McCowan blocks 9.9 percent of her opponents' field goal attempts inside the arc, which puts her in the top 2 percent of the nation.
McCowan grabs the rebound on 26.9 percent of her opportunities, the nation's best rate. She is second in the nation and leads the SEC in rebounding (13.5 rpg).
Anriel Howard also made the list for MSU, making State one of two schools along with Baylor with multiple student-athletes in consideration for the award.
Howard is seventh in the SEC in rebounding at 7.8 rpg, and her 84 defensive rebounds are second only to McCowan for MSU. She has recorded 26 steals and 10 blocks this year.
Semifinalists for the award will be named in February. The Bulldogs return to the court on Sunday, Jan. 27 when they host Ole Miss at 2 p.m. CT. Sunday's game will air on SEC Network.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Basketball
C
/ Women's BasketballWOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell, Favour Nwaedozi vs Florida - 3/4/26
Wednesday, March 04
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Media Session - 2/24/26
Tuesday, February 24
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Media Session - 2/18/26
Wednesday, February 18
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Highlights at Arkansas - 2/16/26
Tuesday, February 17