Monday, November 3
Starkville
6:30 p.m.
Mississippi State
66
vs
57
Davidson
Women’s Hoops Earn Gritty Opening Day Victory
November 03, 2025 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE – The Mississippi State women's basketball team earned their 22nd consecutive opening day victory after taking down the Davidson Wildcats, 66-57.
"That felt great," head coach Sam Purcell said. "I could not be more excited about a great win, and most importantly, we're going to get better."
The Bulldogs put the first points on the board with a basket from Destiney McPhaul. That foreshadowed the night for her, as she would go on to score a career-high 20 points on 60 percent shooting, including a pair of three pointers and a perfect 6-6 night at the charity stripe.
"I feel like I played decent," McPhaul said. "I could have done a lot of things better, but overall, I feel that I gave my team some energy. I love it."
Forward Favour Nwaedozi saw her first action in the Maroon and White and began her career 10 points and 10 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive glass. Half of the Bulldogs 14 offensive rebounds came from Nwaedozi and she led an effort of outrebounding the Wildcats by 15.
"[My first game] was good," spoke Nwaedozi about her debut in Starkville. [There] are lots of places I can do better, and will do better, but overall, it was a great experience for my first time."
The Bulldogs went into the half all tied with Davidson after the Wildcats knocked down an end of the quarter three in response to a 7-0 Bulldog run. The game saw four lead changes, but the Bulldogs would lock down the game in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 19-13 to secure the nine-point victory.
A pair of freshmen made their collegiate debuts with strong performances. Indiana native Jaylah Lampley collected 11 points and six rebounds, along with two steals. Madison Francis, a native of Lancaster, New York, scored eight points alongside six blocks.
Chandler Prater put up an impressive eight points and seven rebounds on the night. Senior transfer Kharyssa Richardson also collected six points and six rebounds.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will be back in action on Friday when they take on Georgia State on Education Day inside The Hump. Tipoff for the contest is set for 11 a.m. on SECN+.
Visit HailState.com for the latest news and information on women's basketball. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'HailStateWBK' on X, Facebook and Instagram.
"That felt great," head coach Sam Purcell said. "I could not be more excited about a great win, and most importantly, we're going to get better."
The Bulldogs put the first points on the board with a basket from Destiney McPhaul. That foreshadowed the night for her, as she would go on to score a career-high 20 points on 60 percent shooting, including a pair of three pointers and a perfect 6-6 night at the charity stripe.
"I feel like I played decent," McPhaul said. "I could have done a lot of things better, but overall, I feel that I gave my team some energy. I love it."
Forward Favour Nwaedozi saw her first action in the Maroon and White and began her career 10 points and 10 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive glass. Half of the Bulldogs 14 offensive rebounds came from Nwaedozi and she led an effort of outrebounding the Wildcats by 15.
"[My first game] was good," spoke Nwaedozi about her debut in Starkville. [There] are lots of places I can do better, and will do better, but overall, it was a great experience for my first time."
The Bulldogs went into the half all tied with Davidson after the Wildcats knocked down an end of the quarter three in response to a 7-0 Bulldog run. The game saw four lead changes, but the Bulldogs would lock down the game in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 19-13 to secure the nine-point victory.
A pair of freshmen made their collegiate debuts with strong performances. Indiana native Jaylah Lampley collected 11 points and six rebounds, along with two steals. Madison Francis, a native of Lancaster, New York, scored eight points alongside six blocks.
Chandler Prater put up an impressive eight points and seven rebounds on the night. Senior transfer Kharyssa Richardson also collected six points and six rebounds.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will be back in action on Friday when they take on Georgia State on Education Day inside The Hump. Tipoff for the contest is set for 11 a.m. on SECN+.
Visit HailState.com for the latest news and information on women's basketball. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'HailStateWBK' on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballWOMEN'S BASKETBALL | Sam Purcell Press Conference vs Davidson
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