LOS ANGELES – The Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up to face the top-seeded USC Trojans in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament's second round on March 24, 2025, at 9 p.m. CT. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Bulldogs, seeded ninth, look to continue their surprising run against one of the toughest teams in the country.
Playing at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, the stakes could not be higher. With USC ranked fourth in the nation and holding an impressive record of 29-3 this season, the Bulldogs (22-11) have a formidable challenge ahead. However, Mississippi State has shown they can compete at a high level, defeating Cal 59-46 in their first-round matchup, with defensive numbers that set program history.
“We’re a speed bump that happens to be here and we’re going to find a way to make it as tough a competition as we can,” Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell stated, acknowledging the pre-game narrative that heavily favors the Trojans. Indeed, pundits have overlooked the Bulldogs, but they enter this contest with confidence following their strong defensive showing in the opener.
The match against Cal showcased Mississippi State's defensive capabilities, as they held their opponent to just 46 points—a feat tied for the lowest allowed by the program in NCAA Tournament history. Cal was limited to 25% shooting and a mere 14.3% from beyond the arc, establishing Mississippi State not only as an efficient defensive team but also a serious contender in the tournament.
Senior Rayah Marshall, a key player for USC, epitomizes the Trojans' strength, leading her team to a dominant 71-25 victory over UNC-Greensboro. "Our last game in Galen Center for the season. We are looking to go out with a bang," Marshall declared, positioning her team’s sights firmly on a national title.
USC's JuJu Watkins attracts attention as one of the nation’s premier talents, averaging 24.6 points per game, along with 7.0 rebounds. Her performance is critical to USC’s championship aspirations, and Chandler Prater, a guard for Mississippi State, anticipates the challenge. “Honestly, it’s going to be really fun playing against a player like her who obviously has worked on her game so much and prepared at such a high level and is such a great scorer,” she explained.
For Mississippi State, the game hinges on their defensive efforts. Jerkaila Jordan, another standout, emphasized, "Defense is going to keep us in this game. Just bringing that defensive mindset or letting our defense create our offense. We're going to bring it.” With strong performances from players like Madina Okot, who had 14 points and 13 rebounds against Cal, the Bulldogs are poised to put up a strong fight.
In their last meeting, Mississippi State edged out USC with a 76-72 win, making the series tied 1-1. Looking to repeat that success, Purcell’s team will have to harness the defensive strategy that worked wonders before, maintaining their composure against a high-scoring opponent.
The anticipation for the game is not only about basketball but also about the personalities within it. Jordan, for instance, is making headlines for her entrepreneurial venture outside of the court. She partnered with former NFL and Mississippi State player Reggie Kelly to create her own sauce, aptly named "Jerk Sauce," which has already sold out in its first batch. “Like how cool and dope is that, right?” Purcell expressed pride in Jordan’s dual success on and off the court, elevating the women’s basketball narrative.
With both the Trojans and Bulldogs fully aware of what’s at stake—a place in the regional semifinal—the excitement builds as these two teams prepare for a battle. The game, broadcast live on ESPN and accompanied by the Mississippi State Radio Network, promises to be a defining moment for both programs.
Fans who tune in will witness a clash of elite talent, strategy, and heart—elements that make March Madness a celebrated spectacle. Will the Bulldogs emerge victorious, using their robust defense to stifle USC’s offense, or will JuJu Watkins and the Trojans continue their march towards a national title? One thing is certain: this matchup has all the makings of a thrilling contest.
The winner of this thrilling encounter will not only advance to the regional semifinal in Spokane, Washington but also continue the dream of a national championship. For now, the Mississippi State Bulldogs and USC Trojans are set to write another exciting chapter in NCAA Tournament history.
