We've had one of busiest and most impactful weeks for Mississippi State Bulldogs athletics in quite some time. Here's the latest news around Mississippi State sports...
Mississippi State women's basketball loses to Ole Miss, goes 1-1 in SEC Tournament
Bulldog women's basketball is headed home from Greenville after going 1-1 in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament. State won their first round matchup against Missouri 75-55, with a remarkable 31-0 run in the second half driving them to a needed win. But on Thursday, the Bulldogs fell to in-state rival Ole Miss 85-73, as turnovers and poor defense proved costly. State, 21-11, now looks ahead to Selection Sunday on March 16 to learn their NCAA Tournament destination.
Bulldogs guard Jerkaila Jordan named 2nd Team All-SEC
Women's basketball team leader Jerkaila Jordan earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors. The Bulldog guard has averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season. Jordan, who ranks fifth in school history for career points, was named a finalist for the Gillom Trophy, given to the best women's college basketball player in Mississippi, last week. This her second-straight season being named an All-SEC player.
Mississippi State baseball changes up starting pitching rotation ahead of series with Queens
The Diamond Dawgs host Queens at Dudy Noble Field this weekend for their final non-conference series of the year, and they're changing up their starting pitching rotation. Ace Pico Kohn remains the Friday night starter, but on Saturday, junior left-hander Ben Davis (2.53 ERA) will make his debut as a starter. Usual Game 2 starter Karson Ligon moves into the Sunday starting role. As a result, Stone Simmons falls out of the rotation. Starting pitching was an issue for State last weekend, so we'll see if these adjustments yield more positive results.
SEC play begins for Mississippi State softball, Bulldogs hosting #18 Auburn
Conference play has arrived for Mississippi State softball. The #22 Bulldogs are off to an impressive 19-3 start to the season, and they'll get a ranked matchup in Starkville to begin their SEC slate. State welcomes #18 Auburn to Nusz Park this weekend. The Tigers are 20-1 with great wins over Oklahoma State, Clemson, UCF, and Virginia.
Mississippi State basketball closes regular season at Arkansas
Bulldog basketball plays its final regular season game on Saturday. #25 Mississippi State (20-10, 8-9 SEC) travels to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (18-12, 7-10 SEC). The Hogs have managed some big wins lately in their first year under John Calipari, and they enter the regular season finale with a trip to the NCAA Tournament likely on the line. For State, they badly need a positive sign entering postseason play after taking losses in three of their last four games. MSU vs Arkansas will air on the SEC Network at 11:00 AM CT.