The Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs will face the UConn Huskies in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
This is the first time the MSU women have played UConn at this juncture, but not the first time MSU has. In 1996, the men’s team defeated UConn 60-55 on their way to the Final Four.
Interestingly enough, it was the male Bulldogs’ second ever trip to the Sweet 16 – just as it is for the Lady Bulldogs this year. Exactly 20 years separate these two instances, but hopefully the outcome is the same. Let’s take a trip down memory lane of that game in 1996….
#1 seed Connecticut vs #5 seed Mississippi State. The game was played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
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In 1995, MSU lost in the Sweet 16 to the #1 overall seed UCLA (who went on to win the national championship). Now in 1996 State had to play the #1 overall seed UConn led by Ray Allen in the Sweet 16. The Bulldogs were, of course, heavy underdogs.
From the tip State came out swinging, and led 10-2 at the first timeout. The lead stayed and it was 37-25 at halftime, and then as much as a 15 point lead in the 2nd half. Darryl Wilson was the sharp shooter hitting seven 3’s in a 27 point effort.
UConn did have a run in them before it was said and done. They caught fire and Ray Allen had the ball in his hands down three with :20 to go, but he missed the trey. Dampier secured the rebound, hit a couple of free throws and the Dawgs were able to make it further than they ever had before, the Elite 8.