NICEVILLE, FL — Mississippi State women’s basketball defeated Middle Tennessee State 69-47 in the championship game of the Emerald Coast Classic on Nov. 25 at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena.
Freshman forward Madison Francis powered the Bulldogs (6-1) with 17 points, six rebounds and a tournament-record six blocks, earning tournament MVP honors and helping MSU build a 35-19 halftime lead. The Bulldogs shot 55% from the field, the fourth time this season the team has shot over 50%.
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“This tournament is a special place in my heart because I’ve come to Destin for 20 years for family vacations,” Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell said. “To bring my young women here for the first time and see what a beautiful community and beautiful tournament this is — it’s something we’d love to attend every year we’re invited.”
Middle Tennessee State (3-4) was led by freshman guard Macie Phifer’s 13 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Savannah Davis added 12 points.
Defense continues to set the tone
The Bulldogs turned extended defensive possessions into transition opportunities, and Francis’ presence at the rim was constant.
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“Most young women who come in as freshmen only care about scoring,” Purcell said. “Where she’s off to a great start is on the defensive end. She can pursue the ball as well as anybody in the country for blocked shots, and she has the quickest twitch fiber to get out in passing lanes.”
Francis, who entered the game second in the SEC and tied for ninth nationally in blocks per game (2.8), added another six to her total. MSU’s active hands helped produce 23 points off turnovers, a number that consistently separated the two teams.
Better shot selection, steadier pace
The Bulldogs have made a habit of strong first quarters — winning all seven opening periods this season — but maintaining that pace has been a challenge.
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“We were lacking focus for four quarters, and in our league, we’ve got to be a four-quarter team,” Purcell said. “We’re making big strides, and hopefully we can keep that juice after Thanksgiving.”
The Bulldogs limited themselves to five first-half 3-point attempts, making three and avoiding the low-efficiency stretches that hurt them in the over Alcorn State on Nov. 24.
“We’ve been here before — Texas Tech, Alcorn State — waxing teams early and not finishing,” Purcell said. “At some point, we had to change the script.”
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Still, the second-half consistency remains a work in progress. MTSU produced a 12-0 run across the third and fourth quarters, capitalizing on six MSU turnovers. The Bulldogs responded, closing the game on a 7-0 spurt to seal the title.
MTSU aggressive second halves becoming a theme
The Blue Raiders’ second-half identity showed again. After not attempting a free throw in the first half, MTSU ramped up its aggressiveness, forcing turnovers, driving the lane and pushing MSU into the bonus. The Blue Raiders finished with 12 free-throw attempts in the second half alone.
They also heated up from 3-point range after an 0-for-5 start, going 3-of-5 in the second period and finishing 5-of-12 for the game. Their late 12-0 run briefly cut into Mississippi State’s margin, but the early offensive struggles proved too much to overcome.
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Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mississippi State women’s basketball defeats MTSU behind Madison Francis
