MSU Women’s Basketball to Hold Open Scrimmage Thursday

October 27, 2014

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – Fans can get their first look at Vic Schaefer’s 2014-15 Mississippi State basketball team Thursday during the annual Maroon-White scrimmage at Humphrey Coliseum.

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The scrimmage tips at 6 p.m., and admission is free. An on-court autograph session will be held immediately following the event.

There is tremendous excitement entering the campaign, as the Bulldogs are coming off a stellar 22-14 season and a thrilling run to the quarterfinals of the WNIT.

Mississippi State returns nearly 90 percent of the offense from that team, including Preseason All-SEC selection Martha Alwal, who averaged 14.9 points and an SEC third-most 8.8 rebounds last season.

The reigning SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year enters her final MSU campaign the league leader and second among active NCAA Division I players in career blocks (257). She is also the conference’s top returnee with 824 career rebounds and 31 double-doubles.

State also returns SEC All-Freshman Team selection Breanna Richardson, who looks to build on a standout rookie season that saw her average 9.5 points, including a 10.7 average in SEC play that was fifth highest among league rookies.

In addition to a solid nucleus of returnees, this year’s squad also features the debut of a Top 20 signing class comprised of Victoria Vivians, Blair Schaefer, Kayla Nevitt, LaKaris Salter and Morgan William.

Mississippi State hosts Arkansas-Fort Smith in a Nov. 9 exhibition before beginning the regular season Nov. 14 at home against Mercer in the Preseason WNIT. Tip for that contest is set for 8 p.m.

Fans can order season tickets by calling 1-888-GO-DAWGS or by visiting www.hailstate.com/tickets.

Hail State Hoops 101

Following the scrimmage, the Bulldogs will host the first Hail State Hoops 101 Nov. 4 in Mize Pavilion.

The event, which runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Mize Pavilion, costs $25 and includes dinner, a gift and the opportunity to learn the game from the Bulldog coaches.

Youth in grades 9-12 are unable to attend due to NCAA rules. Fans interested in attending are asked to RSVP by Tuesday at (662) 325-0198.