How Gabe Lazo added to Mississippi State basketball’s March Madness ‘talk to me nice’ list

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Mississippi State ladies’s basketball coach Sam Purcell says March Insanity is like Christmas for these in his footwear. With so many holidays and gymnastics meets missed, the NCAA Match serves as a reminder of the reward for these sacrifices.

And like Santa Claus, Purcell is making a listing. He calls it the, “speak to me good” checklist by which he doesn’t shrink back from calling out those that didn’t decide 11-seed Mississippi State to advance previous the First 4. MSU (22-10) did so Wednesday in opposition to Illinois and is now headed to the second spherical after beating 6-seed Creighton 81-66 on Friday at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion.

The checklist contains basketball stars A’ja Wilson and Candace Parker, ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme and presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

The checklist is bound to develop with MSU’s upset win, and that’s because of Purcell’s workers − highlighted by assistant coach Gabe Lazo. With every recreation, Purcell assigns a lead scout. It’s on that coach to leap forward and take a look at a future opponent, which is Lazo’s case was Creighton.

The principle focus: Tendencies. Discover what Creighton likes to do. Discover what may irritate the Bluejays. Discover a method to decelerate a workforce taking pictures practically 37% from 3-point vary.

“Our defensive focus right now needed to be at a spot that we’ve by no means had it earlier than,” Lazo instructed the Clarion Ledger. “Making ready for a workforce like this that performs 5 out − they don’t run a scripted offense, so it’s tough to organize for as a result of we don’t run the sort of offense. On this SEC, there’s not many groups − perhaps Missouri is the closest workforce to working the sort of an offensive system.”

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Lazo knew Creighton (22-9) would discover open seems, however he felt there was a method to nonetheless make these tough. Mississippi State wished to put on down its opponent and drive fatigue and uncertainty to play a component.

Maybe the most effective protection for MSU was Creighton lacking seven of its first eight 3-point makes an attempt and Mississippi State making eight of its first 11.

“When the ball isn’t getting into, these photographs change into just a little bit extra nerve-wracking,” Lazo mentioned. “We have been forward the entire recreation. Once you’re enjoying from behind, it’s just a little totally different than while you’re enjoying with a lead.”

Creighton coach Jim Flanery admitted that with a lineup filled with gamers who can stretch the ground, Mississippi State ahead Jessika Carter could possibly be uncovered. With Carter’s paint presence (2.1 blocks per recreation), he felt forcing her towards the perimeter may give the Bluejays an edge.

“We challenged Jess,” Lazo mentioned. “We challenged all our submit gamers, and so they positively responded.”

Lazo says he’s misplaced monitor of his scouts this season, however he is aware of the one one he’s misplaced got here in opposition to No. 1 South Carolina on Jan. 8. The Bulldogs have been certainly one of 5 groups inside single digits of the Gamecocks.

Lazo’s depth for his scouts interprets to his fireplace on the sideline, although it was practically pricey in opposition to Creighton. With 2:30 to go within the second quarter, he got here too far onto the court docket throughout play. Lazo says he seen confusion from his workforce on a pair defensive possessions, so he wished it addressed.

An official instructed Lazo to get again on the bench. Lazo didn’t hear, so the official gave MSU’s bench a warning. Purcell nudged Lazo again towards his seat and instructed him he’d be strolling again to the resort if he received a technical.

“Sam fired me,” Lazo joked. “He fired me. Then, he fired me once more. Then, he re-hired me.”

The complete consideration shifts towards Sunday (2:30 p.m., ESPN) the place a visit to the Candy 16 awaits if Mississippi State can upset 3-seed Notre Dame (26-5). It’s a recreation the Bulldogs can plan for due to a properly-executed scout.

“To compete this tough and provides that effort,” Lazo mentioned, “any coach on the planet could be tremendous pleased and happy with them.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat author for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or observe him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.