Johnson provides scoring for No. 2 MSU women

Opponents that do not guard Roshunda Johnson pay the price.

As a valuable member of the four-guard lineup for the Mississippi State women’s basketball team, Johnson showed she can be an effective scorer at key times.

The Bulldogs needed Johnson on Sunday during the 71-52 victory over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in Knoxville.

Johnson hit seven shots from the field in 13 attempts, including two made 3-point field goals, and scored 16 points.

MSU head coach Vic Schaefer likes all of his options at guard, but Johnson has proven to be versatile in her offensive game.

“Ro can not only space you out and shoot the 3, but if you think you are going to come get her, she’s got all the one-on-one stuff that she can go create her own shot, get to the rim, draw two and pitch to whoever is open,” Schaefer said.

For the season, Johnson has been a consistent shooter for the Bulldogs. She has hit 87-of-204 shots from the field for 43 percent and averages 11.9 points per game.

Johnson has made 40 of her 98 attempts from 3-point range for 41 percent.

Victoria Vivians and Blair Schaefer are going to take most of the shots in the MSU rotation, but that doesn’t mean Johnson isn’t looking for her chances to contribute.

She just waits for the right time.

“It’s more what the defense gives me,” Johnson said. “If I’m open, I’m going to shoot the ball. I’m not going to force anything. If I’m open, I know I have to take the shot. When the opportunity comes, I have to take it.”

Coach Schaefer said Johnson does a good job of getting her teammates involved offensively.

That’s what makes the four-guard lineup work so well for the Bulldogs.

“(Johnson) and Blair have such good chemistry the last two years together,” coach Schaefer said. “I think that’s what makes her a dynamic piece to what we’re doing.”

Johnson has helped Mississippi State earn its highest ranking ever in the Associated Press Top 25. It was announced Monday that the Bulldogs climbed up to No. 2 in this week’s poll.

MSU returns home on Thursday when it faces the Florida Gators in a 7:30 p.m. matchup.