Mississippi State opens season with 68-27 win over North Alabama

Mississippi State opened its women’s basketball season with a 68-27 win over North Alabama, holding the Lions to 16.7% shooting and forcing 33 turnovers, a record during coach Sam Purcell’s tenure.

The Bulldogs also collected 20 steals, their most since 2015. North Alabama’s 27 points were the second fewest allowed in the Purcell era, and the lowest field-goal percentage by a Mississippi State opponent since 2014. The Bulldogs have limited an opponent to 30 points or fewer four times in the past 10 seasons.

Favour Nwaedozi led Mississippi State with 14 points and 14 rebounds for her 16th career double-double. She shot 6-for-11 from the field and tied her career high with three blocks. Madison Francis added 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Reese Beaty had nine points and five assists. Tootie Lockett and Lani Smallwood scored eight points apiece in their debuts. Smallwood had five rebounds and four steals, tying Aryss Macktoon for the team high in steals. Macktoon scored seven points.

Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell called the defensive effort impressive, while Nwaedozi said rebounding helped the Bulldogs create offense. The team’s next scheduled game was Sunday at UT Martin, with tipoff listed for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

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