STARKVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — A surging Mississippi State squad looks to solidify its postseason credentials Thursday when it hosts a Florida team seeking a critical road win in Southeastern Conference women’s basketball. The Lady Bulldogs (18-8, 8-5 SEC) enter Humphrey Coliseum having won three of their last four, including a 75-66 victory at Arkansas on Monday. Mississippi State’s balanced attack was led by Jaylah Lampley’s 16 points in that win. The junior guard has provided key scoring off the bench, averaging 10.5 points over her last four contests. Florida (15-12, 7-6), however, presents a formidable challenge led by the dynamic Liv McGill. The Gators’ guard is coming off a 29-point, 7-assist performance in a 74-81 loss at Oklahoma on Feb. 12 and has been on a tear, averaging 21.2 points over her last six games. Her standout effort included a near triple-double in a win over Arkansas on Feb. 8 with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. The Gators have struggled away from home in SEC play, dropping their last three road games by an average of 19 points. Containing McGill will be paramount for a Mississippi State defense that has held its last two opponents under 72 points. Mississippi State holds a clear edge in the standings and will look to exploit its home-court advantage, where it is 11-3 this season. Florida, hovering around .500, desperately needs a quality road victory to bolster its postseason resume. Tipoff is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Mississippi State travels to Texas on Sunday, while Florida hosts Alabama.