Miss State
Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (01/28/2026) — Mississippi State marched into hostile territory Wednesday night and handed the No. 15 Tennessee Lady Volunteers a stunning 77-62 defeat, securing a significant road victory in front of 10,418 fans at the Food City Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs overcame a slow start, trailing 12-9 after a defense-heavy first quarter, before exploding in the second period. Mississippi State dominated the glass, outrebounding Tennessee 50-31, and shot an efficient 48% from the field. The visiting Bulldogs leveraged their size and physicality, controlling the paint and limiting the Lady Volunteers to just 32% shooting for the game.
While Mississippi State found its rhythm, Tennessee struggled mightily on its home court. The Lady Volunteers connected on only 19% of their three-point attempts and were plagued by offensive inefficiency throughout the contest. The Bulldogs' defense stifled Tennessee's attack, forcing difficult shots and preventing any sustained offensive runs.
TURNING POINT
The game's pivotal moment came at the end of the first half. After a closely contested opening, Mississippi State unleashed a decisive 9-0 run to close the second quarter, entering halftime with a lead they would never surrender. This sequence shifted the momentum entirely, silencing the home crowd and giving the Bulldogs a firm command of the game. They extended their lead to as many as 20 points in the second half, cruising to a comfortable victory.
STAR OF THE GAME
Forward Kharyssa Richardson was the driving force for Mississippi State. The senior was virtually unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 21 points on an incredibly efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the floor. Her performance marked her third 20-point outing in SEC play this season.
Richardson was supported by a strong cast of teammates. Favour Nwaedozi recorded her tenth double-double of the season with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while freshman Madison Francis also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. Guard Trayanna Crisp added 15 points, knocking down three 3-pointers.
WHAT IT MEANS
This victory is a massive boost for Mississippi State, representing their second win over a top-25 opponent this season and a critical road win within the conference. The dominant performance showcases the Bulldogs' potential to compete with the SEC's elite and builds significant momentum as they head into the heart of their conference schedule.
For the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, this loss is a significant setback. After an undefeated 6-0 start to SEC play, the lopsided home defeat halts their momentum. The offensive struggles exposed against Mississippi State are a major concern for the Lady Volunteers, who face a daunting stretch of upcoming games against several ranked opponents.