No. 6 LSU defeats Mississippi State, 72-63, in regular-season finale

Mikayiah Williams' double-double leads LSU to victory on Senior Day for Mississippi State

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In a matchup between SEC foes, No. 6 LSU defeated Mississippi State, 72-63, in the regular-season finale. Mikayiah Williams had a game-high 28 points and 15 rebounds for LSU, while MiLaysia Fulwiley and Jada Richard also scored in double figures. Mississippi State was led by Kharyssa Richardson, Madison Francis, Favour Nwaedozi, and Chandler Prater, but the Bulldogs couldn't overcome LSU's third-quarter run.

Why it matters

The win clinched a double-bye for LSU in next week's SEC Tournament, while Mississippi State is looking to bounce back and secure an NCAA Tournament berth after dropping its fourth straight game. This was an important regular-season finale for both teams as they prepare for the postseason.

The details

LSU used a 16-0 run that spanned the first and second quarters to take control of the game, leading 35-22 at halftime. Mississippi State fought back in the third quarter, going on a 13-0 run to take a 41-38 lead, but LSU closed the quarter on a 16-7 run and never trailed the rest of the way. Williams was dominant for LSU, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 2, 2026 as Mississippi State's regular-season finale.
  • LSU clinched a double-bye in next week's SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina with the win.

The players

Mikayiah Williams

A standout player for No. 6 LSU, Williams had a game-high 28 points and 15 rebounds in the win.

Kharyssa Richardson

The leading scorer for Mississippi State in the loss.

Sam Purcell

The head coach of Mississippi State, who praised Williams' performance and expressed pride in his team's effort in the second half.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

Scored 16 points for LSU in the victory.

Jada Richard

Added 12 points for LSU in the win.

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What they’re saying

“She did a lot. She is a special player and an All-American. What separates her is a high release and her handles. We tried to do a great job on ball screens but we kind of lost some of that in the fourth quarter as we started taking more risks. You just have to tip your hat.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach, Mississippi State (on3.com)

“This is an NCAA Tournament team. We have to do our part and win some games next week. It's about sticking together, and we have been through a lot together. We had an awesome senior dinner the other night. We are enjoying the ride together, and we are not folding.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach, Mississippi State (on3.com)

What’s next

Mississippi State will face Florida on Wednesday in the first round of the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back and secure an NCAA Tournament berth after dropping their fourth straight game.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the talent and dominance of Mikayiah Williams and the No. 6 LSU Tigers, who clinched a double-bye in the SEC Tournament with the win. For Mississippi State, the loss was their fourth straight, but the Bulldogs showed fight and determination, and will look to regroup and make a postseason run.