Maroon-white Scrimmage set tonight
Fans can get a first look at the 2019-20 Mississippi State women's basketball team today as the Bulldogs host their annual Maroon-white Scrimmage in Humphrey Coliseum.
The scrimmage begins at 6 p.m., and admission is free. Humphrey Coliseum doors open at 5:30 p.m. Fans can enter through the Mize Pavilion entrance, and the clear bag policy and walk-through metal detector security screening policies will be in place.
Coach Vic Schaefer's squad will divide into teams and challenge each other before coming together to take on the men's practice squad during the event.
Tonight's scrimmage gives fans the first opportunity to see a Bulldog squad coming off back-to-back Southeastern Conference regularseason championships, the program's first ever SEC Tournament championship and a third straight Elite Eight appearance.
As State begins preparing for a run at a third consecutive SEC title, the Bulldogs are led by Graduate guard Jordan Danberry, who ranked third on the team in scoring (13.1 points per game) and second in assists (125) and steals (65) after starting all 36 games a year ago. She's joined by juniors Chloe Bibby and Andra Espinoza-hunter as MSU'S returning starters.
Before going down with a seasonending injury in January, Bibby was one of the most efficient 3-point shooters in the country. She ranked No. 22 in the country and third in the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage, shooting a 45-percent clip from beyond the arc, at the time of her injury.
Espinoza-hunter stepped into the starting role after Bibby's injury and provided a deep threat for Mississippi State. The team-leader in threes (68) knocked down an SEC Tournamentrecord eight 3-pointers against Arkansas to help Mississippi State win the SEC Tournament championship.
Jessika Carter, Myah Taylor and Xaria Wiggins will see an increase in their roles this season. At the World University Games, Carter started every game and posted strong numbers, 11.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. In one game, she recorded 26 points and 22 rebounds against Chinese Taipei.
Taylor got plenty of action at the point guard spot during the event. She tallied 3.1 assists per game and had a 2.20 assist/turnover ratio. Wiggins was the team's third-leading scorer during the games, averaging 9.7 points per game while shooting 41 percent from the field.
Schaefer and his staff signed the highest-rated class in program history with four top-100 players. Rickea Jackson highlighted the class as Mississippi State's first ever Mcdonald's All-american signee. The two-time Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year was the top overall scorer (22.2 points per game) at the World University Games and ranked second in field-goal percentage (.532).
Mississippi State hosts Lubbock Christian on Nov. 4 for an exhibition before officially opening the campaign at home on Nov. 9 against Southern Miss.
With 15 opportunities to watch the Bulldogs in Humphrey Coliseum during the 2019-20 schedule, season tickets are $150 for 200 level side court reserved seats and general admission is $85. To purchase, go to hailstate. com/tickets or call the Mississippi State Ticket Office at 662.325.2600 or 888.GO.DAWGS.