RENO, Nev. – Mississippi State’s late rally came up short Thursday night as the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 78-71 decision to undefeated Oklahoma State in the second contest at the University of Nevada-hosted Peppermill Classic.
The Lady Bulldogs (9-3) will now face the host squad from Nevada (3-9) at 7 p.m. central Friday night in the tournament’s consolation game. In the other contest Thursday, Nevada was beaten 67-51 by Long Island at the Lawlor Events Center.
In Thursday’s contest, the Lady Bulldogs started out strong. A 3-point by Danielle Rector and jumper by Porsha Porter placed the Maroon and White on top 19-13 with 10:40 left before halftime.
The Lady Bulldogs failed to build on the early offensive momentum, while the Cowgirls (8-0) moved the ball inside to take control of the contest.
Oklahoma State scored the game’s next nine points. An old-fashioned 3-point play by OSU’s Toni Young capped that run. After a layup by Porter brought MSU within one at 22-21, Oklahoma State again tacked on the game’s next nine points. This time, a 3-point play by OSU’s Taylor Schippers ran the lead to 31-21 with 4:08 left before half.
The Cowgirls ran the lead to 12 points before a couple of late transition baskets brought MSU within 35-29 at halftime.
In the second half, the Lady Bulldogs hung tough but could not overcome 19 turnovers. The Lady Bulldogs closed within four on two occasions early. After OSU ran the lead back out to double digits, the Lady Bulldogs again had the lead to four at 73-69 on two free throws by Porter with less than a minute remaining.
Porter paced the Lady Bulldogs with 19 points. Diamber Johnson followed with 18 points, while Kendra Grant scored a career-high 14 points.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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