STARKVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging Mississippi State squad hosts in-state foe Southern Mississippi on Sunday in a nonconference women’s basketball clash at Humphrey Coliseum. The Lady Bulldogs (9-1) have won eight straight since a road loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 20, most recently routing Charlotte 89-59 on Dec. 7. Their defense has been dominant, holding five opponents under 55 points during the streak. A key catalyst is freshman forward Madison Francis, a formidable rim protector who has averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks over her last five games. Southern Mississippi (7-3) aims to build momentum after an 81-73 home win over UAB on Dec. 7 snapped a three-game skid. The Lady Eagles’ losses have come against a challenging schedule, including an 110-56 defeat to North Carolina State. Guard Hayleigh Breland leads the offense, coming off a season-high 25-point performance against UAB. She averages 9.8 points per game. Mississippi State has controlled opponents with a balanced attack and stifling defense, allowing just 54.8 points per game at home. Southern Mississippi averages 75.2 points but has struggled on the road, going 1-2. This marks the first meeting between the programs since 2019. Mississippi State holds a 25-7 advantage in the all-time series. Following this game, Mississippi State hosts Alabama State on Dec. 17 before a road trip to La Salle. Southern Mississippi returns home to face South Alabama on Dec. 18. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CST Sunday.