Bulldogs Overcome Turnovers to Defeat Arkansas 75-66

Mississippi State women's basketball team earns key SEC road win despite sloppy play

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Despite committing 22 turnovers, the Mississippi State Bulldogs women's basketball team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 75-66 on the road. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 13-0 lead and never trailed, though Arkansas was able to cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. Mississippi State shot 44% from three-point range and outrebounded Arkansas 45-30, led by double-doubles from Jaylah Lampley and Favour Nwaedozi.

Why it matters

This win is an important conference victory for Mississippi State as they look to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. The Bulldogs have now won back-to-back games and are pushing closer to locking up a spot in the Big Dance, despite some sloppy play that head coach Sam Purcell was critical of after the game.

The details

Mississippi State jumped out to a 13-0 lead to start the game and led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter. However, the Bulldogs struggled to protect the ball, committing 22 turnovers that led to 19 points for Arkansas. The Razorbacks were able to cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, but could not complete the comeback. Mississippi State shot 44% from three-point range and outrebounded Arkansas 45-30, with Jaylah Lampley and Favour Nwaedozi each recording double-doubles.

  • The Bulldogs led 18-10 after the first quarter and 37-24 at halftime.
  • Mississippi State extended their lead to 49-28 with 6:40 left in the third quarter.
  • Arkansas cut the deficit to 46-36 heading into the fourth quarter.

The players

Jaylah Lampley

A freshman who had a team-high 16 points and 9 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

Favour Nwaedozi

Recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Mississippi State.

Madison Francis

Scored 13 points and hit 3-of-5 three-pointers for the Bulldogs.

Trayanna Crisp

Finished with 11 points, going 3-of-8 from three-point range.

Sam Purcell

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

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What they’re saying

“As a head coach, I'm embarrassed. 22 turnovers? I'm absolutely upset. 22 turnovers for how hard we worked, just sloppy and unacceptable. Especially for March when we're trying to play our best basketball, that can't happen. I've got to make sure we reach our potential and that ain't going to cut it.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Play to the standard. Play to Mississippi State basketball so we can get to where we want to be come March.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Bulldogs will return home to Starkville on Thursday to take on the Florida Gators at 6:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Despite the sloppy play and high turnover numbers, this win is an important step for Mississippi State as they look to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. The Bulldogs will need to clean up their ball-handling and play to their potential if they want to make a deep postseason run.