What's Happening?
The Mississippi State Bulldogs women's basketball team is set to face the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in an upcoming game at the SJB Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. The Bulldogs, currently holding a 9-1
record, have been on a five-game winning streak since their only loss of the season to Texas Tech. Coach Sam Purcell has emphasized the importance of improved practice sessions following the loss, which has seemingly paid off as the team has shown significant improvement on the court. The Bulldogs have been performing well, with three players averaging 12 or more points per game and two others scoring above nine. They are also shooting 47% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, while outrebounding their opponents by nearly 12 boards per game. The game against Southern Miss, who have a 7-3 record, is scheduled for noon on Saturday and will be broadcast on SECN+.
Why It's Important?
The upcoming game is crucial for Mississippi State as it provides an opportunity to extend their winning streak and further solidify their position before entering SEC conference play in January. The team's recent performance improvements, particularly in shooting accuracy and rebounding, suggest they could be a formidable opponent in the SEC. A victory against Southern Miss would not only boost the team's confidence but also potentially improve their ranking, which could be advantageous as they face tougher competition in the conference. The game also serves as a test of the effectiveness of Coach Purcell's emphasis on better practice habits, which could be a key factor in the team's success moving forward.
What's Next?
Following the game against Southern Miss, Mississippi State will continue to prepare for the start of SEC conference play in January. The team's performance in this game will likely influence their strategy and focus areas in practice sessions leading up to the conference games. If the Bulldogs maintain their current trajectory, they could emerge as strong contenders in the SEC, potentially earning a higher ranking and better seeding in postseason tournaments. The outcome of the game will also be closely watched by SEC opponents, who may adjust their strategies based on Mississippi State's performance.
