Preview: Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs at Tennessee Lady Volunteers

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A pivotal Southeastern Conference rematch awaits Thursday when the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs visit the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Tennessee (14-3, 4-1 SEC) won the first meeting 90-80 in Starkville on Jan. 8, part of a current six-game winning streak. The Lady Vols are coming off a gritty 60-58 home win over Kentucky last Thursday, led by Mia Pauldo’s 21 points.

Mississippi State (15-6, 2-4) seeks to halt a two-game skid after falling 85-78 at Alabama on Sunday. The Lady Bulldogs’ conference record belies their talent, with all four SEC losses coming against currently ranked opponents.

A key matchup will feature Mississippi State’s standout forward Madison Francis against Tennessee’s defensive depth. Francis torched the Lady Vols for 22 points in the January loss and is averaging 18.3 points over her last three games. Tennessee, however, has shown a balanced attack, with Deniya Prawl providing steady backcourt play.

The Lady Volunteers have dominated at home, boasting a 9-1 record in Knoxville. Mississippi State, strong in non-conference play, has struggled on the road in the SEC, losing three of four away games.

Tennessee’s defense, allowing just 60.2 points per game in SEC play, will aim to contain a Mississippi State offense that averages 77.6 points overall. The Lady Bulldogs must improve their perimeter defense after allowing Alabama to shoot 50% from the field.

History favors Tennessee, which holds a 41-13 series advantage. The Lady Vols have won three straight in the series.

The outcome carries significant weight for SEC tournament seeding and NCAA tournament resumes. Mississippi State aims to prove it can compete with the league’s elite, while Tennessee looks to solidify its hold on second place in the conference standings.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Thursday. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.