
Bulldogs Drop First Home Contest To #20 Tennessee
January 08, 2026 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State dropped their first contest inside of Humphrey Coliseum on Thursday to the 20th ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers, 90-80.
Kharyssa Richardson had a career day in the loss. The senior from Douglasville, Georgia, made her first start since November and scored a career-high 22 points alongside nine rebounds. This was just the second time in her career that Richardson scored 20 or more points.
Madison Francis also finished the game with 22 points, her third game with 20+ this season. She went a perfect 10-10 from the charity stripe. Francis also collected 13 rebounds, which tied her career-high and gave her the fifth double double of her young career. Francis also led the team with four blocks.
Destiney McPhaul finished in double figures for the tenth time this year, as she gained 14 points and led the team with five assists. McPhaul also collected three steals in the contest.
The Bulldogs will be back in action when they hit the road to take on in-state foe, #18 Ole Miss. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. on Sunday and will be televised on SEC Network.
Visit HailState.com for the latest news and information on women's basketball. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'HailStateWBK' on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Kharyssa Richardson had a career day in the loss. The senior from Douglasville, Georgia, made her first start since November and scored a career-high 22 points alongside nine rebounds. This was just the second time in her career that Richardson scored 20 or more points.
Madison Francis also finished the game with 22 points, her third game with 20+ this season. She went a perfect 10-10 from the charity stripe. Francis also collected 13 rebounds, which tied her career-high and gave her the fifth double double of her young career. Francis also led the team with four blocks.
Destiney McPhaul finished in double figures for the tenth time this year, as she gained 14 points and led the team with five assists. McPhaul also collected three steals in the contest.
The Bulldogs will be back in action when they hit the road to take on in-state foe, #18 Ole Miss. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. on Sunday and will be televised on SEC Network.
Visit HailState.com for the latest news and information on women's basketball. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'HailStateWBK' on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Team Stats
UT
MS
FG%
.507
.455
3FG%
.370
.154
FT%
.706
.857
RB
35
37
TO
14
16
STL
11
7
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell, Kharyssa Richardson vs Tennessee - 1/8/26
Thursday, January 08
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Media Session - 1/6/26
Tuesday, January 06
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Highlights vs Auburn - 1/1/26
Thursday, January 01
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell vs Auburn - 1/1/26
Thursday, January 01







