Thriving Together
February 14, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Group effort keeps State’s NCAA Tournament resume growing.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State has continued to push forward through a tough Southeastern Conference slate, and the hard work looks like it could pay off in just a few weeks as long as MSU stays the course.
The Bulldogs rallied behind a tough defensive outing and never trailed in their 70-62 victory over Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon. They have now won three games in a row and six of their last eight conference matchups — a feat that has put them on track for a potential spot in the NCAA Tournament.
There's still plenty of resume building left to do, but one thing that puts State above much of its competition down the stretch? It doesn't rely on the efforts of just one star player that consistently leads the team in nearly every category. Rather, Mississippi State has a team full of athletes that can do just about everything.
"These young women are special," head coach Sam Purcell said. "I'm the luckiest coach in the world because they are together."
Starting guard Anastasia Hayes was active all across the court on Sunday, racking up 17 points and totaling five rebounds, four assists and three steals on the afternoon. She maintained a steady rhythm that helped the team stay in control even when the Aggies threatened. Hayes' hard work behind the scenes has played a huge role in the big steps she has made of late.
"I've been working, getting into film with coach, and I feel like that's helped me a lot," Hayes said.
Dominant center Jessika Carter added 17 points in the victory while pulling down nine boards. She gave her all for her teammates, putting her body on the line with back-to-back charges drawn in the first quarter.
Junior JerKaila Jordan followed up two high-scoring games with a defensive performance that was highlighted by six rebounds and a team-high four steals off of six turnovers forced. Some players show their frustrations when they don't score as many points as they're used to, but that couldn't be more false for the young star.
"For how she was playing, you never could read it on her face," Purcell said. "She just waited for the opportunity, and boy did she make some big [plays on Sunday]."
When one player sat down for a quick break, anyone who came in was willing to do anything for the win. Mississippi State's bench scored 14 big points for the Bulldogs with Denae Carter tallying five in the fourth quarter alone to lead all reserves. Veteran guard Ahlana Smith, who started the game and finished with 13 points, noted just how much having a solid group all around means to a team that is making a run late in the season.
"Starting five is huge, but that bench is a spark, and that last player on that bench is just as important as our starting point guard," Smith said.
The moment has never been too big for any player sporting the Maroon and White. From graduate transfer Asianae Johnson out of St. Bonaventure to mighty freshman Debreasha Powe, the Bulldogs are locked in, hungry and ready for their time to shine.
Through the highs and lows of the season, nobody has had more confidence in every player on the team than Purcell. Knowing what he does, Purcell is incredibly optimistic about where Mississippi State can be in just one month.
"I'm here to tell y'all right now, we're on an NCAA Tournament run," Purcell said.
