Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks

No. 2 South Carolina clinches share of SEC title

The Gamecocks, behind Mitchell's 16 points, ran past No. 11 Mississippi State 69-50 on Thursday night to remain perfect in the SEC and clinch a share of the crown they won for the first time a year ago.

"I don't think there's anybody in this league that can do what she does on the offensive and defensive side of the ball," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said with pride.

That was apparent. She had seven straight points as South Carolina (27-1, 15-0 SEC) took control with an 18-5 run with less than six minutes left in the opening half. Mitchell had two of her three steals in that stretch, which saw the Gamecocks go from ahead three points to up by 16 at 39-23.

"It's a great feeling to clinch a share" of the SEC title, Mitchell said. "But like coach Staley says, I'm greedy. I don't want to share."

No matter what happens, South Carolina heads to next week's SEC tournament as the No. 1 seed and team to beat.

Staley's biggest worry? Avoiding the letdown that took place a year ago after wrapping up the SEC championship. The Gamecocks lost the next game at Tennessee and got bounced out earlier than expected in the SEC tournament and at the NCAAs as a No. 1 seed.

"I think for where our program is trying to go, it would take a step in the wrong direction if we don't take care of business on the road against Kentucky," Staley said.

The Bulldogs (25-5, 10-5) could not cut the lead to fewer than 10 points after South Carolina's decisive run. Victoria Vivians and LaKaris Salter had 14 points each to lead Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs were held to their fewest points this season and shot less than 35 percent from the field for the third time in their past five games. Salter, a freshman forward, gave Mississippi State a jolt as she hit four of five 3-pointers after entering in the final six minutes.

Bulldogs coach Vic Schaefer was disappointed by his team's shortcoming, but admired South Carolina's physical style.

"That's my kind of team," he said. "I told the referees, `I wish you didn't have to call" any fouls.

South Carolina's A'ja Wilson, the 6-foot-5 forward contending with Vivians for SEC freshman of the year, had 13 points and seven rebounds. Alaina Coates, last year's league freshman of the year, added 10 points and seven boards.

Mitchell also had four rebounds, three steals, two assists and a blocked shot.

HARD FALL

South Carolina senior forward Aleighsa Welch, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds in Monday night's win over No. 6 Tennessee, was shaken up after a hard fall to the court. She went to the locker room briefly before returning to action. Staley said Welch will probably be sore Friday, but it should not keep her from playing at Kentucky.

SENIOR NIGHT

TIP INS

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have set records for most wins in a season (25) and most road wins (seven). Their 10 SEC victories are tied for the most in school history.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks have won 32 straight at home, tying the school record set between 1977 and 1980.

UP NEXT

Mississippi State: Closes the regular season at home Sunday against state rival Mississippi State.

South Carolina: Last regular-season game Sunday at No. 13 Kentucky.

How can I watch Bulldogs vs. Gamecocks?

• TV Channel: Bulldogs vs Gamecocks 2021 College Basketball, week 16, is broadcasted on FOXNET.
• Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.

Location: Columbia, SC
Attendance: 15,047 | Capacity: