Alwal Records Double-Double, Lady Bulldogs Fall at LSU

BATON ROUGE, La. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) — Mississippi State surrendered an 18-2 run to end the first half and failed to recover as the Bulldogs dropped a 62-42 decision to LSU in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game played Sunday afternoon at Maravich Assembly Center.

The Bulldogs (8-9 overall, 0-4 SEC) struggled in the opening half from the field. MSU made just 6-of-27 shots in the game’s first half, including 0-for-9 from 3-point range. Down 17-13, the Maroon and White managed only one field goal over the final 5:45 of the first half.

LSU (11-6, 2-2) struck quickly. The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times early as LSU built an 11-2 lead seven minutes into the half. MSU closed within 17-13 on back-to-back baskets by Carnecia Williams and Katia May.

Adrienne Webb had 10 points during the decisive run as LSU built a 35-15 halftime advantage.

“We had trouble scoring against the zone,” MSU head coach Vic Schaefer said. “It was long and athletic, but I thought we did a better job in the second half. We made some good decisions and stopped turning the ball over. The six-minute spell right before the half was the difference in the game.”

A 3-pointer by Webb capped a 6-0 run to start the second half as the Tigers built a 41-15 advantage. MSU managed only one field goal over a stretch of eight minutes of playing time.

A 3-point play by Martha Alwal, a basket by Williams and a putback by Alwal completed a 7-0 run for MSU as the Bulldogs closed within 19 at 47-28 with 10:16 left in regulation.

Kendra Grant sparked another run with a 3-pointer for MSU. Alwal hit a layup to bring the Maroon and White within 16, but MSU could not get any closer the rest of the way.

For the contest, the Bulldogs hit 17 of 56 shots from the field (30.4 percent), 2 of 16 shots from 3-point range (12.5 percent) and 6 of 14 shots from the foul line (42.9 percent). The Tigers hit 21 of 53 shots from the field (39.6 percent), 4 of 10 shots from 3-point range (40.0 percent) and 16 of 17 shots from the foul line (94.1 percent).

LSU held a 38-37 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 12 assists and 18 turnovers, while the Tigers had 15 assists and 14 turnovers.

Alwal posted her eighth double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Williams had a double-double near-miss with nine points and eight rebounds. Katia May added seven points and five assists.

“I thought the inside game was good today when we gave them a look,” Schaefer said. “Martha was very good in the second half, and Carnecia played well, too. Kendra (Grant) had an off day, but I’m going to take her every day and twice on Sunday because I think she’s going to be a great player when it’s all said and done.”

LSU received 28 points from Webb and 10 points from Theresa Plaisance.

MSU travels to sixth-ranked Kentucky for a 6 p.m. CT contest Thursday.