No. 5 Vanderbilt (17-0) is off to an impressive start to conference play, achieving its highest ranking since 2001-02. Shea Ralph’s squad is fresh off two straight blowout victories — a 99-68 win over Missouri and a 91-51 victory over Texas A&M. These lopsided contests provided Ralph with the chance to rest her starters and experiment with the bench, one of the few areas that Vanderbilt has failed to see consistent production. Confidence and momentum bloom for the Commodores, and they have shown no signs of slowing down.
On the flip side, Mississippi State (14-4) is coming off three straight losses to Oklahoma (95-47), Tennessee (90-80) and Ole Miss (93-68). Head coach Sam Purcell looks to get back on track but will face an incredibly difficult challenge in Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs still rank No. 7 in the SEC, but their recent losing streak, comprising of two losses which were entirely one sided, has many questioning their ability to compete with the nation’s best.
While one team looks to preserve its historic season and avoid a potential trap game, the other is desperately searching for a spark to turn things around. The Hustler previews the matchups that will likely dictate the outcome of this SEC showdown.
Too much to handle
Mikayla Blakes has been nothing short of spectacular in her sophomore campaign. The shooting guard ranks No. 3 nationally in scoring and leads the SEC, averaging 24.9 points per game. Blakes has scored 35, 32, 20 and 25 points, respectively, in Vanderbilt’s four SEC matchups, leading the conference with 423 total points. The Somerset, New Jersey, native also compiled 23 assists and 11 steals in those victories. Blakes is a three-level scorer, effective passer, elite defender and bona fide leader on and off the court. Vanderbilt’s undefeated season and large win differential in SEC matchups are a result of her strong production and impact.
Few players in women’s basketball, if any, can match the star power and talent Blakes consistently brings. Mississippi State is without a presence that can stay within striking distance of her, especially during crunch time. Purcell lacks a No. 1 option, with his top three scorers — Favour Nwaedozi, Madison Francis and Destiny McPhaul — all averaging 13 points per game or less.
Especially in crunch time, the absence of a primary option can be detrimental to a team’s late-game success. When no players command the ball, the offense becomes one-dimensional and predictable. One team has a national superstar; the other is without someone who can score at an elite level. This substantial gap will likely force Purcell to play catch-up and try to keep up with Blakes’ unrivaled star power.
Battle of the ‘Centers’
Both Vanderbilt and Mississippi State lack true centers in their starting lineups but rely heavily on forwards to operate efficiently in the paint. Sacha Washington and Favour Nwaedozi play similar roles for their respective teams, acting as the primary rim protectors. The former stands at 6’2 while the latter is 6’3, both undersized for playing the five.
Despite her height, Washington has performed well in the rebounding department, leading the Commodores with 7.9 boards per game. The graduate’s strong box out ability and energy make up for her unconventional stature. Nwaedozi dominates the glass for the Bulldogs and is currently averaging 10.2 rebounds per game.
Washington and Nwaedozi have both risen to the occasion, especially when having to guard traditional fives, which the SEC is known for. Their physicality and superior rim protection have offset the weakness of not having a true center. Expect the winner of this matchup to heavily influence the outcome of Thursday’s game.
Disparity from deep
In today’s game, effective 3-point shooting is key to reaching sustained success. Vanderbilt has been extremely productive from beyond the arc, ranked No. 3 in the SEC in 3-point percentage (.369). Meanwhile, Mississippi State ranks No. 11 in the SEC in opponent 3-point percentage (.289). Look for Ralph to exploit this separation and place an emphasis on perimeter production.
The Bulldogs aren’t only weak at defending behind the arc but have trouble shooting the deep ball themselves. Purcell’s team ranks No. 9 in the SEC in accuracy from deep (.327). Without star-power and three-point shooting, it is crucial for Mississippi State to not fall too far behind early on, as it will be difficult to climb back from an early deficit.
A strong reason Vanderbilt has been so effective from 3-point range is its perimeter specialist, Justine Pissott. The senior leads the entire conference in 3-point percentage (.443) and can swing any game in Vanderbilt’s direction. The Toms River, New Jersey, native scored 22 points in Vanderbilt’s domination over Texas A&M, knocking down 6-of-9 attempts from behind the arc. Pissott will look to continue her hot streak from deep as SEC play heats up, and she will be essential as Vanderbilt’s third scoring option down the stretch.
Ralph and the Commodores will take on the Bulldogs Thursday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. CST in Humprey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi.
