GREENVILLE, S.C. — Mississippi State’s women’s basketball team was eliminated in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday, losing 86-68 to Florida. The Bulldogs struggled with foul trouble, which affected key players early and often.
Bulldog forwards Madison Francis and Favour Nwaedozi each picked up two fouls in the first quarter. Both players added additional fouls before halftime, with Francis fouling out with under two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Despite the foul issues, Nwaedozi scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her 15th double-double of the season, shooting 75% from the free-throw line.
Destiney McPhaul contributed 12 points, her 13th game in double figures this season, and led the team with six assists. Francis finished with nine points, four blocks, and two steals in her 17 minutes of play before fouling out. Kharyssa Richardson and Awa Fane each scored nine points, while Melissa Guillet added seven without missing a shot.
The Bulldogs shot 34.8% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. They connected on 60% of free throws. Florida shot 50% overall and 78.6% from the free-throw line, outrebounding Mississippi State 40-34.
Mississippi State will learn its postseason fate on Selection Sunday, scheduled for March 15 at 7 p.m. CT. For updates, fans are encouraged to visit HailState.com or follow the team on social media at ‘HailStateWBK’.
