Mississippi State Wins at Arkansas Despite Turnovers

Bulldogs' head coach Sam Purcell criticizes team's 22 turnovers in victory over Razorbacks

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Mississippi State defeated Arkansas 75-66 in a wire-to-wire road win, but Bulldogs head coach Sam Purcell was highly critical of his team's 22 turnovers in the game, saying he was "embarrassed" by the sloppy ball handling despite the victory.

Why it matters

The win moved Mississippi State forward in the SEC standings, but Purcell made it clear that the team's turnover issues need to be addressed if they want to play their best basketball come March and the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Mississippi State jumped out to a 13-0 lead to start the game and never trailed, hitting a season-high 14 three-pointers at a 43.8% clip. Nine players scored for the Bulldogs, led by 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 three-pointers from Jaylah Lampley. However, the 22 turnovers committed by Mississippi State kept Arkansas within striking distance for much of the game.

  • The game was played on February 17, 2026.

The players

Sam Purcell

The head coach of the Mississippi State women's basketball team.

Jaylah Lampley

A Mississippi State player who earned the start over Destiney McPhaul and scored 16 points with 9 rebounds and 3 three-pointers.

Favour Nwaedozi

A Mississippi State player who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Madison Francis

A Mississippi State player who scored 13 points.

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What they’re saying

“As a head coach, I am embarrassed. Twenty‑two turnovers. We've been working on it. I'm really upset.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach, Mississippi State (SI.com)

“We score enough points to win games in this league. Anytime we hold an opponent to 60-70 points, I love it. But have I mentioned 22 turnovers?”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach, Mississippi State (SI.com)

What’s next

The Bulldogs will look to clean up their turnover issues when they host Florida on Thursday.

The takeaway

While Mississippi State was able to secure a road win over Arkansas, head coach Sam Purcell made it clear that the team's 22 turnovers in the game are unacceptable and need to be addressed if they want to play their best basketball and make a deep postseason run.