March Madness: Mississippi State Beats California 59–46 Behind Okot’s Double-Double

Mississippi State guard Denim DeShields (0) dribbles against California guard Kayla Williams (4) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025. Eric Thayer/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—Madina Okot had 14 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out late and ninth-seeded Mississippi State beat California 59–46 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

Eniya Russell added 14 points for the Bulldogs (22–11), who are back in March Madness for the first time in two years. They lost in the national title game in 2017 and 2018.