Jessika Carter Named SEC Co-Player Of The Week

After two impressive games the Bulldog center earned SEC honors.

Mississippi State women's basketball started SEC play with two straight losses, but the Bulldogs rebounded nicely with a 2-0 week. MSU head coach Sam Purcell saw solid performances from Jerkaila Jordan and Lauren Park-Lane, but Carter rose above them all.

The Bulldogs started their important week in Fayetteville as they faced a solid Arkansas team, and in a rollercoaster of a second half, Carter took over the game late. The Georgia native put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, and the game-winning block on the final Razorback possession.

There are always a lot of stakes when Mississippi State and Ole Miss play each other, but after finishing 0-2 against the Rebels last year for the first time since 2004, the stakes were even higher. Like the Arkansas game, the Bulldogs needed a win, and they looked toward the fifth-year center to carry the load; yet again, she responded.

Carter finished with 23 points and had three critical offensive rebounds. MSU outscored the Rebels 40-19 in the paint, largely thanks to Carter.

The Bulldogs dominated the Rebels 20-6 in the fourth quarter, and Carter scored six 20 points. Purcell said Carter was the best post player in the country, and she certainly played like it last week.

If MSU continues to get these performances from Carter, then they will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. With Jordan and Park-Lane being good scorers from the guard position, along with the sharpshooting of Debreasha Powe, it will be tough for defenses to double-team Carter.

The Bulldogs are back on Thursday as they welcome Tennessee to Humphrey Coliseum. 

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