Video: HailState Hoops Trounces Louisiana Behind McCowan’s 31 & 20 Night

(Video Courtesy: WJTV Sports in Jackson)

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – Teaira McCowan scored a career-high 31 points and pulled down 20 rebounds to help lead the No. 3 Mississippi State women’s basketball team to a 94-37 win over Louisiana Wednesday night at Mississippi Coliseum.

McCowan led a group of five Bulldogs in double figures. Victoria Vivians added 16 points, while Chloe Bibby and Blair Schaefer each had 13 points. Jazzmun Holmes added 10 points.

Morgan William had six assists, while Roshunda Johnson had five assists. McCowan added four blocks and three steals.

The junior center’s 20 rebounds are also tied for 10th-most in a single game in program history.

“Really proud of the crowd,” MSU head coach Vic Schaefer said. “I want to say thanks for our fans. They made it a great experience. Our kids came out and played really well. Teaira had 31 points, 20 rebounds, four blocks, three steals in 26 minutes.

“There were a lot of numbers in there that added up to playing well.”

MSU won its 29th straight non-conference regular-season game, while also winning its second-ever game in Jackson and first since 2006.

“Coaches have been harping they need more from me,” McCowan said. “When they ask that of you, you have to buy in. There have been some open looks and I have taken advantage of them. When we share the basketball, we can score points.”

The Bulldogs built a 12-6 lead less than six minutes into the contest. State responded with the game’s next nine points. A jumper by Vivians ran the lead to 21-6 lead with 2:05 left in the quarter.

From there, a 9-2 run ended the quarter with MSU leading 30-8.

After Louisiana closed back within 35-17, the Bulldogs responded with the game’s next six points.

MSU scored the final 12 points of the half to build a 56-23 lead at halftime.

“This was a great experience for our team,” Schaefer said. “The long line (for autographs) after the game is what made this worthwhile. To see these players being asked for autographs and pictures, it’s special. We have been wanting to bring (Victoria Vivians) back to this building for a game. I am glad we were able to do that.”

The Bulldogs turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Ragin’ Cajuns to 14 points, including four points in the fourth quarter.

For the contest, MSU hit 34 of 77 shots from the field (44.2 percent), 5 of 23 shots from 3-point range (21.7 percent) and 21 of 30 shots from the foul line (70.0 percent). Louisiana hit 13 of 59 shots from the field (22.0 percent), 3 of 12 shots from the 3-point range (25.0 percent) and 8 of 9 shots from the foul line (88.9 percent).

MSU held a 59-34 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 25 assists and 15 turnovers, while the Ragin’ Cajuns had three assists and 26 turnovers.

Louisiana (2-5) received 14 points from Skyler Goodwin.

MSU will host Oklahoma State at 1 p.m. Sunday as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. The SEC Network will have a national broadcast from the Humphrey Coliseum.

Categories: College Sports, Local Sports

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