Mississippi State women's basketball split two games in Puerto Rico. Here's what we learned.

STARKVILLE — In the days before the season began, Mississippi State women’s basketball players made their aspirations clear: They joked about being the dream team and had little doubt they’d make the NCAA Tournament.

First-year coach Sam Purcell was more reserved in his expectations. He wanted to see the team perform under the lights before setting a bar, he said.

This past weekend showed Purcell had the proper approach. Mississippi State is competitive, but there’s room for this new roster and staff to grow.

Friday’s 67-32 win against Georgetown (4-2) in the Puerto Rico Classic featured a strong defensive display against a lesser opponent. Saturday’s 73-65 overtime loss vs. Nebraska (5-2) — an NCAA Tournament team just outside the Top 25 — showed MSU (5-2) is still learning how to win.

“Our emotions get the best of us when shots don’t go in,” Purcell said following the loss on MSU’s postgame radio show. “There’s a different vibe about us when we’re able to capitalize on free throws, make layups. We work so hard, it’s just one of those nights we didn’t finish.”

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MSU’s March Madness resume hasn’t taken a hit yet. The Bulldogs have beaten the teams they’re expected to beat, and losing at South Dakota State and on a neutral court against Nebraska won’t be a reason to leave MSU out if it sits on the bubble.

There were promising signs proving MSU’s growth from the loss at South Dakota State to Saturday. The Bulldogs trailed by six with less than two minutes to go against the Cornhuskers. The defense created opportunities for the offense, so much so that players were confident in forcing turnovers instead of settling for fouls.

“Coach, we can see it in their face,” players told Purcell. “We can turn them over.”

The final minutes of regulation also saw freshman Debreasha Powe play beyond her age again. Powe knocked down a 3-pointer as time expired to send the game into overtime. She hit a similar shot going into halftime against Colorado State a week ago.

The breadcrumbs have been laid for what MSU is capable of, as players suggested entering the season. However, the wrinkles left to be cleaned up are evident.

Perhaps all it takes is a home game against a strong opponent to get over the hump. That opportunity won’t come until Jan. 1 when Ole Miss arrives in Starkville.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State women's basketball in Puerto Rico: Here's what we learned