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Jerkaila Jordan returns to form as Mississippi State defeats Mercer

The Bulldogs continued playing great defense and got their best player back into rhythm.

By Andrew Miller

Jan 7, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard JerKaila Jordan (2) attempts a three point basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Jan 7, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard JerKaila Jordan (2) attempts a three point basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State women's basketball is off to a 5-0 start after an 81-44 win over the Mercer Bears. The Bulldogs had no issues Wednesday night, rolling to another easy victory. Here are a few takeaways from the win...

Jerkaila Jordan is back

Jerkaila Jordan is the leader of this team and the foundational piece this roster was was built around. But she got off to a really rough start to the year. Through the first four games, Jordan was shooting just 31.3% and was 1-15 from three. She looked more to form against Mercer. Jordan finished with 15 points on 6-12 shooting and was 3-4 beyond the arc. She also added 11 boards for a double-double and had a season-high five assists. It was her best performance so far, and hopefully, it kickstarts her back towards what we expect.

Mississippi State's defense is off to its best start in several years

The Bulldog defense was predictably dominant once again. Through five games, State is allowing just 43.6 points per game. That's the fewest points the Bulldogs have allowed through five games since the 2015-2016 team that gave up just 37.2 points per game to begin the year. That was Vic Schaefer's first team to make a deep tournament run, reaching the Sweet Sixteen. Of course, they've yet to be tested at all. But a few of the Bulldog teams we've seen in recent years have had comparable early schedules. To have held four of five opponents under 50 points and not yet allow 60 is impressive regardless of competition.

The Bulldogs need to clean up the turnovers

If we're going to nitpick this team, turnovers have been an issue early on. After committing 16 turnovers tonight, they're averaging 15.6 turnovers per game. It's one of the biggest things holding them back on the offensive end. It hasn't yet hurt them because they're also forcing plenty of turnovers against their competition, but against better teams that's likely to come back to bite them. It hurt them down the stretch last season during their losing skid that kept them out of the tournament. It's something they really need to get cleaned-up.

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