STARKVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — The Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs, off to a strong 7-1 start, will host the Pittsburgh Panthers in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday at Humphrey Coliseum. The Lady Bulldogs have won three straight since their only loss, a 69-62 road defeat at Texas Tech on Nov. 20. They are coming off a 66-54 win over Louisiana-Monroe on Sunday, led by Madison Francis’ 13 rebounds and 3 blocks and Favour Nwaedozi’s 13 points. Pittsburgh (6-4) arrives after a 68-43 home victory over Central Connecticut on Monday. Theresa Hagans and Mikayla Johnson each scored 17 points in the win. The Panthers have alternated wins and losses over their past five games, including a 55-41 road loss to Ball State on Nov. 28. Mississippi State’s defense has been consistent, holding opponents to 65 points or fewer in all seven victories. Pittsburgh will test that defense with a roster featuring three players averaging double-figure scoring. Following this matchup, Mississippi State hosts Charlotte on Sunday. Pittsburgh continues its road swing at Clemson on Dec. 14.