STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Jackson State Lady Tigers officially began the 2020-21 season Sunday afternoon as they took on No. 6 Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss.
Although it was not the outcome the Lady Tigers had hoped for, falling 88-58, it was good to get to the start of the season after a year in which college athletics has been postponed or shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lady Tigers had trouble with the No. 6 ranked Lady Bulldogs, netting just four points in the first quarter, to rail MSU 14-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Tigers seemed to shake off the offseason rust a bit in the second quarter of play, establishing a 7-0 run at one point in the second quarter to pull within an 18-14 Lady Bulldog lead.
The nationally ranked Bulldogs began to pull away late in the second quarter with a 22-5 run to close out the half as MSU took a 40-19 lead into the half.
The Lady Tigers were outscored 34-14 in the third quarter of play as the Bulldogs led 74-33 heading into the final quarter of play. The Lady Tigers outplayed MSU in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lady Bulldogs 25-14 in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, JSU fell 88-58 in the season opener.
Lisa Leslie watch list nominee and SWAC Player of the Year
Ameshya Williams finished with nine points, six rebounds, and one blocked shot in her season debut.
1st team All-SWAC member
Dayzsha Rogan had 16-points and three rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers, while JSU newcomer
Jariyah Covington had 12-points. She also had three rebounds, two assists and one steal in her first game as a Lady Tiger.
J'Niya Tallie tallied four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes of action.
As a team, Jackson State shot 34.6 percent from the field, scoring 27 times in 78 possessions. The Lady Tigers had 11 offensive rebounds with 17-points off the bench and 10-points in the paint.
Jackson State begins the season 0-1 but will get a chance to get into the win on Thursday, Dec. 3, with a road game at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.
