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Mississippi State takes 65-51 win over Alcorn in Emerald Coast Classic

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk9 hours agoRobbieFaulkOn3
madison francis
Madison Francis (Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)

Mississippi State’s offensive woes rolled over from its loss to Texas Tech last week into Friday’s Emerald Coast Classic matchup with Alcorn State in Niceville, Fla.

After scoring just 31 points in the final three quarters against the Red Raiders, the Bulldogs didn’t score over 17 points in any of the four quarters on Monday. Despite that, the defense was good enough for the Bulldogs in a 65-51 win.

 “We’ve got to find a way to be a four-quarter team and that’s focus. Layups and shots around the basket, we’re struggling with it,” coach Sam Purcell said. “They’re not bad looks. It’s good film because I have kids that want more minutes. Hopefully they can look in the mirror and get better.”

MSU shot just 35% from the field making 8-of-28 3-pointers and just 17-of-27 from the free throw line in the game. The Bulldogs also continued their turnover issues with 18 in this game.

Luckily, the Bulldogs built a big enough lead in the first half as they held Alcorn to just four points in the first quarter and went on a 23-0 run from the first quarter into the second to build a 25-point lead. But MSU was never able to fully push that lead out beyond that.

In the third quarter, MSU outscored Alcorn just 16-15 and then they were outscored 22-15 in the fourth. Alcorn got the deficit as close as 12 points in the final 2 minutes but it was too late.

The Bulldogs outrebounded the Braves 46-34 and had 14 steals. They converted 24 Alcorn turnovers into 23 points.

Madison Francis led State with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block in her second start for the Bulldogs. Francis played a team-high 31 points and shot 4-of-6 with 6-of-6 makes from the line. Fellow freshman Jaylah Lampley had nine points but was just 3-of-12 shooting and 1-of-5 from three. Lampley was a major factor on the boards with 10 rebounds in 20 minutes.  

“Madison was everywhere. Her energy is phenomenal,” Purcell said. “We’ve talked about Jaylah Lampley being a great rebounder. When those players bring it, you’ve got a chance to be special.”

Kharyrssa Richardson finished with 10 points and was 4-of-4 from the line.

The Bulldogs (5-1) will now play for a championship in the Bay Bracket as they play Middle Tennessee on Tuesday. Game time against the Red Raiders (3-3) is set for 1:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FloSports.

“We’re doing everything to win ball games but we’re playing mindless basketball. At some point, you’re waiting for my voice to drive the team, but it’s got to be peer related,” Purcell said. “You better figure it out real quick. I know we’re in the beach, but Middle Tennessee is known for beating Power teams. (Tuesday) will be interesting.”

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