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State back to work vs. Jackson State on Thursday night

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk2 hours agoRobbieFaulkOn3
awa fane
Awa Fane (Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)

Three games into the season the 3-0 result from Mississippi State pleases Sam Purcell.

The Bulldogs won a 66-57 battle with Davidson and have strung together blowout wins over Georgia State (88-62) and Mississippi Valley State (107-43) the last two games. It was a packed week full of game action, but the last few days have been all about getting back to the basics.  

“Just being cleaner in multiple areas,” Purcell said of the improvements needed. “There are some mindless possessions at times where I‘m really excited about something and then we do something else. Rebounding is a major concern going into this game and over the next couple of games. Our offense can get better execution wise.”

State is coming off its most complete performance of the season as Chandler Prater dropped a career-high 25 points. Prater and Destiney McPhaul are the leaders of this year’s team as the only returning regulars from last year’s team. Mcphaul leads the team with 14.7 points per game while Prater averaged 14.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.  

Freshmen Madison Francis and Jaylah Lampley have also been effective off the bench as freshmen as Francis is averaging 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 blocks and Lampley 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds. Favour Nwaedozi has made her NCAA debut with 11.3 points and 12.0 rebounds a game.

State has a challenge this Thursday night with Jackson State (1-1) and the Tigers always seem to bring their A game when they come to Starkville. It’s a game that has to end with the Bulldogs being the unquestioned toughest team.

“Last week we had three games in one week which is great, but now we’re back in the classroom,” Purcell said. “I couldn’t be more excited for the start, but we definitely have to get better so practice, practice, practice. We’ve got to get better on the defensive end, and with our offensive execution and most importantly we’re playing a Jackson State team that’s going to be the most physical team we’ve seen at this point.

“We better be ready for an instate battle where you know they’re going to play hard, execute on offense and muck it up in switch. They’ll be physical with you like we haven’t seen this season.”

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