Mississippi State Women's Basketball Upsets LSU 77-73

The Bulldogs upset the visiting No. 9 Tigers, who are also the reigning national champions.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs shocked the reigning national champion LSU Tigers in front of an electric Humphrey Coliseum on Monday evening. It was a team effort from start to finish, as the Bulldogs finished with 36 bench points compared to only six points for the Tigers.

MSU expected a fight in a playoff-type atmosphere, and it showed as the Bulldogs came out hot, took an 8-2 lead, and quickly got all 9,121 people inside the Humphrey Coliseum into the game. The crowd played a significant role in the outcome, especially as the Bulldogs began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter.

Bulldogs head coach Sam Purcell was active on social media this week, encouraging fans to sell out the arena. Purcell got his wish and more.

"I felt like we had six players on the floor because the student section and our fans were not going to let us lose, and that is what happened tonight," Purcell said.

MSU was led by senior guard and Louisiana native Jerkaila Jordan, who scored a game-high 24 points. Jordan has routinely carried a heavy load for the Bulldogs, and despite playing her hometown team, she says that didn't have much effect on her performance.

"Yes, I am from Louisiana, but at the same time I put on the Mississippi State jersey. So I go out there and I do it for Mississippi State," Jordan said.

Two members off the Bulldogs bench were the difference, starting with Darrione Rogers. Rogers scored 19 points and was 4-for-8 from 3-point range, including hitting the dagger three to extend the MSU lead to six with just under a minute remaining.

Mjracle Sheppard is notorious for her ferocious on-ball defense, which was on full display. She had an outstanding six steals and held LSU guard Hailey Van Lith to just four points.

The MSU sparkplug also chipped in 12 points. 

The Bulldogs got their second top-ten win on their home court in three days as MSU men's basketball defeated eighth-ranked Auburn 64-58 on Saturday. 

Purcell wasn't the only one overcome with emotion after the game, but spoke on the importance of this night for him.

"It is a dream come true," he said. "Tonight is a dream night."

Live updates: Mississippi State Women's Basketball 77-73 Win Over LSU