Mississippi State beats Western Michigan 90-68

McCowan scores 24 points

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec 21, (AP): Maybe this bodes well for Mississippi State, with Southeastern Conference play starting next month.

Teaira McCowan scored a careerhigh 24 points and had 13 rebounds to lead the No. 9 Bulldogs over Western Michigan 90-68 on Sunday in the Puerto Rico Classic.

McCowan, a 6-foot-7 freshman, was dominant in the post, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds and shooting 9 of 16 from the field. Victoria Vivians added 15 points for the Bulldogs (101) while Ketara Chapel had 11.

Meredith Shipman led Western Michigan (7-3) with 17 points. The Broncos made 29 of 36 (81 percent) free throws and kept the game close for much of the afternoon.

The Bulldogs led just 40-38 at halftime, but put the game away with a 2711 advantage in the third quarter.

“We came out in the second half and played much, much better,” said Mississippi State coach Vic Schaefer, whose team has won five straight. Schaefer described as a bad matchup, but the coach gave her plenty of playing time against Western Michigan.

That changed Sunday when McGowan was again able to go to the offensive glass and finish and show a soft touch around the basket. She made 6 of 8 free throws.

“You just have to take advantage of it, produce and do as much as you can when you’re in,” McCowan said.

Said Schaefer: “When we can get her to play hard every possession and establish her presence inside it’s just hard to get around her. You can make two left turns and you’re still only halfway there. She’s really coming along.”