Mississippi

Mississippi State women’s basketball has what Ole Miss, Coach Yo want. But it’s tough to obtain

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

Mississippi State women’s basketball has what Ole Miss, Coach Yo want. But it’s tough to obtain

STARKVILLE — Last month, fresh off losing to rival Mississippi State, Ole Miss women’s basketball coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin didn’t have much to say about the Humphrey Coliseum crowd of more than 7,000 fans.

With the seats matching the maroon shirts of most fans, McPhee-McCuin said, she didn’t even realize how large the gathering was. However, less than two weeks later after her team’s home victory against Florida in front of 2,450 fans, it was apparent that the crowd in Starkville did actually stick out to the Rebels’ coach.

She made that clear while voicing her displeasure for women’s basketball struggling to draw crowds like men’s teams in Oxford do.

“Why can’t we be an everything school?” McPhee-McCuin said. “Because that’s a destination spot. It’s happening up the street. We went to that game and there was 7,000 people in there. You get what I’m saying? I don’t even want to call them their names. But it happened.”

McPhee-McCuin made clear the struggle women’s teams face when building programs. Recent regular season success for Ole Miss’ men’s basketball has drawn impressive crowds, but fresh off a Sweet 16 trip, the women’s team is averaging fewer than 4,000 fans per game.

Yet in the same state, Mississippi State ranks fourth among SEC teams with an average attendance of 5,457 and had a recent sellout against LSU.

As the programs meet for the return game in Oxford on Sunday (3 p.m., SEC Network+), it’s a reminder of how impressive MSU’s rise in women’s basketball is while its rival looks to catch up.

How Mississippi State became a prominent women’s basketball brand

The country woke up to the tune of a cowbell on March 27, 2017, and Mississippi State women’s basketball was the reason why.

It was a normal morning for Robin Roberts in most regards as she took her spot hosting Good Morning America on ABC. However, the Bulldogs had just given her an excuse to ring a cowbell on one of television’s most popular shows.

Sporting an assortment of maroon and white, Roberts reminded the nation of what had happened the night before. With a win against Baylor, Mississippi State had just clinched its first trip to the Final Four.

For Roberts, who grew up and played basketball in Pass Christian, Mississippi, the cowbell was a chance to endorse what the Bulldogs just accomplished. For former MSU coach Vic Schaefer, it was the start of a week that changed women’s basketball in Starkville – and across the state – forever.

Roberts became an iconic part of MSU’s success, highlighted by a postgame speech she gave in Mississippi State’s locker room after an upset of UConn in the 2017 Final Four.

“Thank you for elevating women’s basketball the way you have,” Roberts told the team.

But she also played a big role in helping grow the game, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Schaefer.

“That’s free advertisement,” Schaefer told the Clarion Ledger this week. “You get a 30-second blip on an ad for ‘Good Morning America,’ it’s $4 million from what I’ve been told. We got about $12 million worth of advertisement three straight days that didn’t cost us a dime.”

Reaching the level of success required to get that national hype wasn’t easy, though.

Sharon Fanning-Otis spent 17 seasons as MSU coach, guiding the program to its first six NCAA Tournament appearances. However, room remained for Mississippi State to take the next step.

Schaefer inherited a team ahead of the 2012-13 season that was fresh off back-to-back losing seasons. He finished 13-17 in his first season and didn’t make the NCAA Tournament the following season despite a 22-14 record. Across his final six seasons, Mississippi State became a fixture in March Madness and the national polls.

“There’s an investment level that is required,” Schaefer said. “Once you get a return on your investment, it’s real easy to support it.”

Style of play was a big reason Schaefer’s teams appealed to Starkville.

Success for Mississippi State, Ole Miss starts in Mississippi high school basketball

In-state products such as Victoria Vivians (Carthage) helped mold the best years of Schaefer’s tenure, but even since his departure, Mississippi has generated top players.

Debreasha Powe is a sophomore at Mississippi State out of Meridian High School in Meridian. Madison Booker, a freshman star for Schaefer at Texas, is a product of Ridgeland. In her first season, Powe started 32 games for an NCAA Tournament team. This season, Booker is averaging 15.5 points per game and has started all 24 games she has appeared in.

“I think in both cases, those kids played for really good high school coaches,” Schaefer said. “They had a lot of success in high school. They had to be the player on their high school team, so night in and night out they had to show up and be accountable. I think that’s what gets you ready for college more than anything.”

Added to the list is Ole Miss forward Snudda Collins out of Brookhaven. The state is producing talent at an impressive pace, though it doesn’t guarantee the top players are coming to your program.

“I think the trend is becoming that elite players from their state are staying home,” McPhee-McCuin said. “What makes it difficult in Mississippi is you have two Power Five programs in the same conference … That makes it incredibly challenging because when you do get one that has a lot of talent, now you’re fighting in state against them.”

BREAKING IT DOWN: Explaining Ole Miss women’s basketball’s $8.4 million deficit in 2023 fiscal year

With success, though, comes the ability to recruit at a bigger scale. Collins and Powe are the lone in-state products across the two rival rosters this season. However, both programs have top players from other spots, ranging from MSU guard Mjracle Sheppard from Washington to Ole Miss guard Marija Avlijas from Serbia.

There are layers to creating the success women’s basketball has in Mississippi. It’s a cycle where fans, programs and schools work hand-in-hand to keep each other moving forward.

When the highs are reached and programs get to the levels Mississippi State and Ole Miss have gotten to, the benefits resonate throughout the state.

“When you have two programs on the national stage that are able to give exposure to women’s sports, compete at the highest level and be two brands that are recognized on the women’s side, it’s not only great for our universities, it’s great for our schools,” MSU coach Sam Purcell said.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

Source link

Click to comment

Mississippi

Two more Mississippi State players announce decision to enter portal

Published

3 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Two more Mississippi State players announce decision to enter portal

The exodus of Mississippi State players continued Sunday afternoon with two more players announcing decisions to enter the transfer portal.

Running back Seth Davis and offensive lineman Luke Work have decided to enter the transfer portal. Both made their announcements in social media posts.

“I’m beyond thankful for my time at Mississippi State. These past two years gave me memories, friendships and lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Work stated. “God gets all the glory. None of this would be possible without Him guiding my path. Thank you to every coach, teammate, staff member and all the amazing people I’ve met along the way. This place truly became family to me. No matter where the road takes me next, I’ll always be proud to say I wore maroon and white.”

Thank you, Mississippi State pic.twitter.com/u55t9dHTYR
— Luke Work (@LukeWork1) January 4, 2026

Work played in 23 games in his two seasons in Starkville. He was thrust into the starting lineup last season as a true freshman, starting seven games including five at left tackle. This past season Work worked mostly at tackle and guard and played in every game except the first against Southern Miss because of an injury.

Davis began his collegiate career with a solid 2023 season, playing in all 12 games and running 59 times for 356 yards and one touchdown. However, his career was put on hold in that season’s Egg Bowl when he suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss all of the 2024 season.

The Katy, Texas native was able to return to action this season and played in two games. Against Alcorn State, Davis had five carries for 47 yards and one touchdown. He enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining.

I have decided to enter the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility.#Godsplan🙏🏾
Thank you Mississippi State❤️ pic.twitter.com/zr7Wuzkyxm
— Seth Davis (@_SethDavis21) January 4, 2026

Mississippi State Transfer Portal

Incoming Bulldogs

Official Visits Scheduled

CB Tyran Chappell (Houston Christian)
OL DJ Chester (LSU)
DL Jayson Jenkins (Florida State)
EDGE Tunmise Adeleye ( UNLV)
DL Tarvorise Brown (Florida)
OT Veguer Jean Jumeau (Tennessee State)
DT Ahmad Breaux (LSU)
DL Khalil Poteat (Temple)
S Justin Denson Jr. (Michigan State)
CB Quentin Taylor (Iowa State)
WR Marquis Johnson (Missouri)
OL Mario Nash (Florida State)
OL Lucas Simmons (Florida State)
QB AJ Swann (Appalachian State)
WR Earnest Campbell (Sacramento State)
TE Jeff Carpenter (Nevada)
OL Grant Seagren (Oklahoma State)
CB Daniel Harris (Georgia)
OT Anwar O’Neal (Delaware)
DL Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado)
EDGE Jalen Thompson (Michigan State)
OL Miles McVay (North Carolina)

Outgoing Bulldogs

WR Jordan Mosley
S Stonka Burnside
WR Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)
WR Anson Lewis
DL Terrance Hibbler
OL Jaekwon Bouldin
WR Jaron Glover
DL Corey Clark
OL Alex Lopez
K Marlon Hauck
OL Brennan Smith
S Tony Mitchell
WR Markus Allen
DE Joseph Head
TE Max Reese
OL Jimothy Lewis Jr.
WR Ferzell Shepard
TE Emeka Iloh
S Lo’Kavion Jackson
TE Cam Ball
QB Luke Kromenhoek
RB Johnnie Daniels
S Tyler Woodard
CB Dwight Lewis III
DL Ashun Shepphard
WR Davian Jackson
P Nathan Tiyce
DT Kai McClendon
CB Elijah Cannon
S Cyrus Reyes
OL Luke Work
RB Seth Davis

DAWG FEED:

Source link

Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Jan. 3, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Jan. 3, 2026

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 3, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

01-04-07-15-34

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Midday: 4-5-3, FB: 6

Evening: 3-9-1, FB: 0

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Midday: 5-3-4-4, FB: 6

Evening: 9-9-0-0, FB: 0

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Midday: 12

Evening: 09

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link

Mississippi

How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

Published

7 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-12) head into a road matchup with Tae Davis and the Oklahoma Sooners (9-3) at Lloyd Noble Center on Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

We provide more details below, and that includes how to watch this game on SEC Network+.

Here is everything you need to prepare for Monday’s college hoops game.

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Monday, December 29, 2025
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Arena: Lloyd Noble Center
TV Channel: SEC Network+
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State stats and trends

With 86.9 points per game on offense, Oklahoma is 46th in the nation. At the other end, it gives up 72.7 points per contest, which ranks 174th in college basketball.
The Sooners are grabbing 34.8 boards per game (111th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing 30.5 rebounds per contest (156th-ranked).
Oklahoma is averaging 16.7 dimes per game, which ranks them 76th in college basketball in 2025-26.
The Sooners are forcing 11.6 turnovers per game this season (214th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged just 9.3 turnovers per contest (20th-best).
This season, Oklahoma is making 10.2 three-pointers per game (45th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.6% (143rd-ranked) from three-point land.
The Sooners are giving up 8.6 treys per game (281st-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing a 35.2% three-point percentage (285th-ranked).
Of the shots attempted by Oklahoma in 2025-26, 53.7% of them have been two-pointers (66.6% of the team’s made baskets) and 46.3% have been threes (33.4%).

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Sooners (-44.5)
Total: 152.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

Source link