QUICK BREAKDOWN: Women's Basketball defeats Alabama State in Season-Opener
November 09, 2021 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE – A strong second-quarter from the Mississippi State women's basketball team (1-0) propelled the Bulldogs to a convincing 91-62 victory over Alabama State (0-1) on opening night. The victory also served as the first career Division I, and women's basketball, victory for interim head coach Doug Novak.
Rickea Jackson led State from the opening whistle, with a game-high 26 points in 32 minutes of action. 19 of Jackson's 26 points came in the first half, helping State jump out at 53-31 at the break. Anastasia Hayes added 17 points while JerKaila Jordan added another 15. Myah Taylor set a career-high with 11 assists, seven in the first half. Denae Carter posted a game-high 11 rebounds and was one point shy of a double-double in her debut.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, Mississippi State grabbed control of the game midway through the second, using a 26-4 run to jump out to a 25 point lead with under two minutes to play in the half. State's defensive was a key factor in its impressive second quarter, holding Alabama State to just eight total points in the frame.
The second half was a back-and-forth battle, Mississippi State outscored Alabama State 38-31. The Bulldogs scored 19-points in each of the final two frames with Carter leading the way with all nine of her points and six rebounds.
Be sure to check back later this evening for a full game recap.
