STARKVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — The Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs, riding high with an 8-1 record, will look to continue their strong non-conference start when they host the Charlotte 49ers at Humphrey Coliseum on Sunday. The Lady Bulldogs are coming off a dominant 79-44 victory over Pittsburgh on Thursday, where guard Destiney McPhaul erupted for 22 points in just 22 minutes. McPhaul has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in five of the last six games, including a 12-point performance in Mississippi State’s lone loss at Texas Tech on Nov. 20. Her scoring punch will be central against Charlotte. The visiting 49ers (4-5) aim to snap a two-game skid after falling 81-67 to George Washington last Saturday. Charlotte has struggled on the road this season, with all five losses coming away from home, including defeats at LSU, California and Oklahoma State. A key matchup will be in the frontcourt, where Charlotte’s Janavia Gage is coming off a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds against George Washington. The 49ers will need a similar performance from Gage to contend with Mississippi State’s interior presence. Mississippi State’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 54.2 points in their eight wins. Charlotte averages 62.6 points per game and will need efficient offense to challenge the Lady Bulldogs’ rhythm. This game marks the final tune-up for both teams before busy holiday schedules. Mississippi State will host Southern Mississippi on Dec. 14, while Charlotte returns home to face Davidson the same day. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon at Humphrey Coliseum.