And now for Mississippi State.
Mississippi State's coach was the defensive coach at A&M when A&M defeated us in the national semifinals in 2011. Ever since Vic Shaeffer has coached teams that have pressed, stolen inbounds passes, and played close aggressive defense. We can expect more of the same tonight. Every pass will be contested. Every inbounds play is a potential steal for MSU. I'm sure we know this and have prepared for it.
If the game is called as tight as it was last night, it should work to our favor. But we can't count on that. Sound ball handling, good inbounds plays, and lots of fakes and backdoor cuts are what we will need tonight.
The first person we need to stop is 6'5" Jessica Carter, their center who is averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds a game. This we be a tall order for Fingall, Prechtel, and Belibi. They will probably need help.
But forward 6'2" freshman Rickea Jackson, is a McD All American who has a lot of experience playing on USA teams. She can't be neglected. And forward 6'1" Chloe Bibby from Australia is making 42% of her threes.
And then we come to the guards. Jordan Danberry averaged 14 ppg but shoots almost no treys, but makes 52% of her shots. When did you hear of a guard making over 50%? She has 25 steals on the year. And Myah Taylor, the other starter, has 18 steals.
Mississippi State's coach was the defensive coach at A&M when A&M defeated us in the national semifinals in 2011. Ever since Vic Shaeffer has coached teams that have pressed, stolen inbounds passes, and played close aggressive defense. We can expect more of the same tonight. Every pass will be contested. Every inbounds play is a potential steal for MSU. I'm sure we know this and have prepared for it.
If the game is called as tight as it was last night, it should work to our favor. But we can't count on that. Sound ball handling, good inbounds plays, and lots of fakes and backdoor cuts are what we will need tonight.
The first person we need to stop is 6'5" Jessica Carter, their center who is averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds a game. This we be a tall order for Fingall, Prechtel, and Belibi. They will probably need help.
But forward 6'2" freshman Rickea Jackson, is a McD All American who has a lot of experience playing on USA teams. She can't be neglected. And forward 6'1" Chloe Bibby from Australia is making 42% of her threes.
And then we come to the guards. Jordan Danberry averaged 14 ppg but shoots almost no treys, but makes 52% of her shots. When did you hear of a guard making over 50%? She has 25 steals on the year. And Myah Taylor, the other starter, has 18 steals.