Mississippi State Bulldogs secured a victory against California Golden Bears in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a final score of 59-46. The Bulldogs, led by Madina Okot with 14 points and 13 rebounds, displayed their best defensive effort of the season according to coach Sam Purcell. Eniya Russell also contributed 14 points to the team’s success.
The Bulldogs managed to improve their shooting to 50% in the second half, outscoring the Bears in both the third and fourth quarters. They also had 15 steals throughout the game, showcasing their physicality and rebounding skills. On the other hand, the Golden Bears struggled with their shooting, only making 3 of 21 attempts from the 3-point range.
Despite Michelle Onyiah’s impressive performance with 17 points and 15 rebounds, the Golden Bears faced challenges with turnovers and missed shots. Cal’s head coach, Charmin Smith, acknowledged the team’s inability to find a rhythm in the game, leading to their defeat.
The victory marked Mississippi State’s return to March Madness after a two-year absence. The Bulldogs, who reached the national title game in 2017 and 2018, are looking to continue their success in the tournament. With a strong defensive performance and solid offensive contributions, Mississippi State is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
