Bulldogs Fall Short Against Aggies in 68-64 Loss

Mississippi State's postseason hopes take a hit with late-game collapse against Texas A&M

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Mississippi State Bulldogs were unable to hold on to a late lead, falling 68-64 to the Texas A&M Aggies in a crucial SEC matchup. The Bulldogs led for much of the game, but were outscored 27-18 in the fourth quarter as the Aggies rallied for the victory.

Why it matters

This loss puts Mississippi State in a difficult position to make the NCAA Tournament, as they now have three losses to teams not projected to make the field. The Bulldogs will need to beat the No. 6 LSU Tigers on Senior Night to have a chance at securing a sixth SEC regular season win and keeping their tournament hopes alive.

The details

The Bulldogs dug themselves an early hole, trailing 11-2 midway through the first quarter, but fought back to tie the game at 12-12 by the end of the period. Mississippi State then went on a 19-3 run in the second quarter to take a 21-14 lead, but the Aggies responded to make it a 25-25 game at halftime. The Bulldogs offense came alive in the third quarter, scoring 21 points to take a 46-41 lead into the final frame. However, the Bulldogs struggled offensively and defensively down the stretch, as Texas A&M outscored them 27-18 in the fourth quarter to pull out the victory.

  • The Bulldogs trailed 11-2 midway through the first quarter.
  • Mississippi State tied the game at 12-12 by the end of the first quarter.
  • The Bulldogs went on a 19-3 run in the second quarter to take a 21-14 lead.
  • The game was tied 25-25 at halftime.
  • Mississippi State led 46-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

The players

Madison Francis

A freshman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Chandler Prater

A Mississippi State player who had 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 assists in 35 minutes of action.

Trayanna Crips

A Mississippi State player who scored 12 points on 3-of-6 shooting.

Favour Nwaedozi

A Mississippi State player who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Sam Purcell

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

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What they’re saying

“They made some unbelievable moves to get some dagger layups at the rim. For us to play like we did for three quarters and give up 27 points in the fourth that hurts. As hard as we played, we just didn't get the job done.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach (on3.com)

“We stuck with her because her plus-minus was off the charts. She had a look and demeanor in her eyes where she didn't want to lose. We rode her coat tails, but the team didn't bring it in the fourth quarter.”

— Sam Purcell, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

To get their sixth SEC regular season win and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, the Bulldogs will have to beat the No. 6 LSU Tigers at home on Senior Night.

The takeaway

This loss puts Mississippi State in a precarious position for making the NCAA Tournament, as they now have three losses to teams not projected to make the field. The Bulldogs will need to regroup and find a way to beat a ranked LSU team on Senior Night to have a chance at securing a spot in the Big Dance.