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Mississippi State women's basketball vs. Tennessee: Scouting report, score prediction

stefan krajisnik, mississippi clarion ledger
·2 min read
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STARKVILLE — For the first time since her midseason departure a year ago, Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson is set to make her return to Humphrey Coliseum in a matchup against Mississippi State women's basketball.

Jackson was a highly touted prospect recruited to MSU by coach Vic Schaefer. However, the two spent only one season (2019-20) together in Starkville before Schaefer left for Texas. Jackson spent the past two seasons playing for Nikki McCray-Penson and Doug Novak, but the change in staffs didn't slow her play.

Jackson averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game with the Bulldogs before entering the transfer portal last January. She spoke out in May about her end in Starkville, saying the coaching changes and lack of a core goal among players were why she left.

How Mississippi State fans view her departure will finally be on display Monday (6 p.m., SEC Network).

If Myah Taylor is an example, it won't be kind. Taylor, who transferred from MSU to Ole Miss in the offseason, was met with scattered boos in her return to The Hump on Jan. 1.

SAM PURCELL:Why MSU's new coach reached out to Vic Schaefer when hired

WATCH:How Mississippi State women's basketball coach Sam Purcell honored Mike Leach

MSU BASKETBALL:Why Mississippi State women's basketball guard Anastasia Hayes is embracing new roles

Slowing down Jackson, igniting Jessika Carter

Handling the emotions of facing a former teammate shouldn’t be too difficult considering MSU played at Tennessee on Jan. 5 – an 80-69 win for the Vols. Slowing down Jackson won’t be easy, though.

Jackson ranks third in the SEC with 17.7 points per game and fourth in field goal percentage (55%). She’s played a big part in Tennessee’s success in conference play as her scoring average jumps to 20 against SEC foes.

Jackson scored 18 points on 9-of-20 shooting against MSU.

Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson (2) and Mississippi State guard Anastasia Hayes (0) are seen on the court during a game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, in Thompson-Boling Arena, in Knoxville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.
Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson (2) and Mississippi State guard Anastasia Hayes (0) are seen on the court during a game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, in Thompson-Boling Arena, in Knoxville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.

Mississippi State center Jessika Carter scored 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting in that meeting. After not playing last season, she has become a key part of coach Sam Purcell’s first season in Starkville.

Carter ranks ninth in the SEC with 15.4 points and fifth with eight rebounds per game. Her 2.5 blocks per game lead the conference and are a big reason she was named to the Lisa Leslie Award top 10 watchlist (nation’s top center).

Score prediction

Tennessee 70, Mississippi State 68: After losses to No. 4 Connecticut and No. 3 LSU, Tennessee returned to form in a win against Ole Miss. The Vols will keep that Mississippi momentum rolling with a win in Starkville against an MSU squad still struggling to find consistency on both ends.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3. 

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State basketball vs. Tennessee: Scouting report, prediction