Another big third quarter leads to 81-44 blowout for Bulldogs over Mercer
Whatever is being said in the halftime locker room appears to be working for Mississippi State’s women’s basketball team.
The third quarter has become the Bulldogs’ most emphatic frame with an average of 25 points per game during those 10 minutes. That continued in a big way on Wednesday as the Bulldogs scored 32 points and pushed Mercer far beyond their reach in a 81-44 win.
“I can’t say enough about Debreasha Powe, Jerkaila Jordan and my team. I’m trying to create a special team, not individuals. I told them for one time in their life to enjoy this,” coach Sam Purcell said. “They talk before I get in (the locker room) and there’s a poise and an attitude. Maybe I should do that in the first quarter.”
State outscored the Bears 32-7 in that quarter as the Bulldogs took a 38-18 lead at the half and nearly doubled it. With defense being the constant for four quarters against Mercer, it was the offense that picked up the pace.
The Bulldogs had just one turnover that quarter and had a barrage of threes to help push that lead out. Junior center Madina Okot also helped extend that lead as she scored eight points relatively early.
Okot finished the game with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, two blocks, two steals and two assists. It was the fourth double digit scoring affair for the Kenyan standout in her first five games in the states.
“This has been my dream,” Okot said. “I just feel happy that I’m here and trying to pursue something I’ve dreamed. I’m just grateful for the team and coaching staff for supporting me.”
Jerkaila Jordan had, perhaps, her best game of the season as she finished with 15 points with 3-of-4 3-pointers made, 11 rebounds and five assists.
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Debreasha Powe also had three 3-pointers and capped her night at 13 points and five rebounds.
It was the fifth time in as many tries that the Bulldogs held the opponent under 60 points and 30% shooting and the fourth-consecutive ball game MSU’s defense held the opponent under 50 points. State held Mercer to just 15-of-54 shooting (28%) and 1-of-17 from 3-point range (6%).
“It starts on the defensive end. Most of our points are coming off of turnovers,” Destiney McPhaul said. “Coach Sam harps on defense and he tries to get us to get over 15 turnovers a game. Once we get our turnovers, everything falls into place.”
MSU (5-0) had a 48-27 edge on the rebounds with a 44-14 advantage in the paint. Offensively, State was 33-of-63 (52%) from the field and 10-of-22 (50%) from 3-point range. The Bulldogs had 16 turnovers and 26 assists.
Up Next
The win ended a five-game homestand to start the season for the Bulldogs and Purcell’s squad now heads to the road for a month. The Bulldogs will first go to Orlando for the WBCA Showcase at Disney’s Wide World of Sports when they take on Jacksonville on Sunday at 2:30 p.m with a broadcast on NBC Sports.
After the trip to Florida, State heads to the Cayman Islands Classic to take on Utah and South Florida on November 28 and 29 respectively.
“What a great way to finish a home stretch to open the season. I’m just proud of my young women,” Purcell said. “I’m watching them each game continue to get better, but most importantly to continue to play for each other. Very excited to get the win.”
