No. 17 Mississippi State slips past Missouri 53-47

Jan 4, 2015, 05:55 pm

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Jerica James scored 17 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, to lead No. 17 Mississippi State to a 53-47 comeback win over Missouri on Sunday.

James was 4 of 8 from the floor, and 7 of 11 from the foul line, with six of those free throws made in the final minute. Breanna Richardson added seven points and nine rebounds to help the Bulldogs (17-0, 2-0 SEC) remain unbeaten this season despite shooting just 29 percent.

Trailing much of the first, Mississippi State closed with a 13-3 run ignited by Victoria Vivians' 3-pointer and carried a 21-19 advantage into the break. The Bulldogs then fell behind again in the second half before clawing back with a 19-2 run, capped by Breanna Richardson's layup that gave the Bulldogs a 44-36 lead with 3:46 to go.

Maddie Stock led Missouri with 16 points and Morgan Eye had 10 points and 12 rebounds.