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The excitement of college basketball is in full swing, especially as March Madness approaches! This year, the Mississippi State basketball team faced off against their in-state rivals, the Ole Miss Rebels, in a thrilling second-round matchup of the SEC Tournament. If you’re a fan or just want to catch up on how the tournament is shaping up, you’ll want to read on!
In a standout game held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., Ole Miss claimed victory with a score of 85-73 over Mississippi State. This pivotal win marked Ole Miss's second triumph of the season against the Bulldogs, having previously won 71-63 in Starkville back in January. As a result of this latest victory, Ole Miss improved their season record to 20-9, while sending Mississippi State home with an overall record of 21-11, following a successful first-round match against Missouri.
The Rebels showcased an impressive performance, with four players scoring in double digits. Madison Scott and Kennedy Todd-Williams led the charge with 20 points each, while Sira Theinou and Christen Iwuala contributed 13 and 11 points respectively. This offensive firepower helped Ole Miss shoot an impressive 53% from the field, including a 35% success rate from beyond the arc.
Despite their elimination from the SEC tournament, Mississippi State's outlook remains optimistic as they are still anticipated to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs showed resilience throughout the game, with Jerkail Jordan and Madina Okot each scoring 14 points. Notably, Okot also recorded the game's only double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating her significant contribution to the team's efforts.
The Rebels stayed in control for a majority of the game, leading for over 32 minutes. There were moments of suspense with four ties and five lead changes, highlighting the tightly contested nature of this matchup. As Ole Miss prepares to face the top-seeded Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals, anticipation builds around their chances. The upcoming game promises to be another exciting challenge as Ole Miss aims to advance further into the tournament.
The SEC Tournament continues to unfold, with top teams competing fiercely for the automatic bid to the NCAA. South Carolina, another powerhouse in women's basketball, has shown strong performances and is just one win away from defending its title. Fans can look forward to watching the semifinals scheduled for Saturday, featuring exciting matchups such as Oklahoma vs. South Carolina and LSU vs. Texas, both available on ESPN2.
What’s Next for Mississippi State and Ole Miss?
As the SEC tournament progresses, both Mississippi State and Ole Miss have made significant impacts on the landscape of college basketball this season. With Ole Miss continuing their pursuit of NCAA tournament glory and Mississippi State looking to secure their place in the dance, the rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement into the tournament atmosphere.
In the coming weeks, every game will count, and fans from both schools will be glued to their screens. It's a thrilling time to be a part of the Mississippi State basketball community, as they cheer on their respective teams. Let’s see how the tournament unfolds, and who will ultimately clinch a spot in the coveted NCAA Tournament.
Are you cheering for the Bulldogs or the Rebels? Let us know your thoughts about Mississippi State basketball and their chances in the upcoming NCAA Tournament!
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