Mississippi State Upsets No. 7 Kentucky
In a surprising turn of events on Sunday, Mississippi State’s women’s basketball team handed No. 7 Kentucky a 71-59 defeat, fueled by standout performances from Kharyssa Richardson and Favour Nwaedozi. Richardson registered a personal best with 23 points, while Nwaedozi dominated on the boards, securing 21 rebounds. Kentucky struggled offensively, managing only 32% in shooting and hitting just five of their 29 attempts from beyond the arc.
Game Highlights
The Bulldogs entered halftime trailing 33-30 but shifted gears in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 18-11. This strong run allowed Mississippi State (15-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) to end a disappointing four-game slide. Key moments included an impressive 15-2 scoring run, with two three-pointers from Traynna Crisp, and a five-point contribution from Richardson boosting the team’s momentum.
Nwaedozi not only showcased her rebounding prowess but also chipped in 10 points with an efficient 5-of-10 shooting performance. Richardson complemented her scoring with seven rebounds, while Crisp added to the offense with 16 points, showcasing her shooting skills by sinking 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Kentucky’s Performance
The Wildcats (17-3, 4-2) found their top scorer in Tonie Morgan who contributed 15 points and seven assists. Meanwhile, Asia Boone and Amiela Hassett both posted 11 points, and Clara Strack registered a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, despite having a tough shooting night, going 3-of-16.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Kentucky is slated to face Tennessee this Thursday evening, while Mississippi State prepares for a matchup against Alabama next Saturday. This victory not only lifts Mississippi State’s spirits but also highlights their potential as they navigate through the SEC season.
