Junior forward Jarvis Varnado set the all time blocks record at Mississippi State in an 84-58 win over Fairleigh Dickinson Saturday. Varnado now has 255 blocks which surpasses former Bulldog great Erick Dampier’s (1994-96) record of 249 blocks.
The Bulldogs (4-0) got out to an insurmountable 43-19 lead at halftime fueled by FDU (0-3) only shooting 15.6% from the field in the first half. The win sees MSU start 4-0 for the first time since the 2003-04 season. Fans will remember that season as the “Road Warriors” season, which saw the Bulldogs win every road game they played en route to a conference championship.
FDU’s 19 points mark the lowest first half point total for an MSU opponent since MSU held LSU to 19 in Baton Rouge last season.
“It’s a great accomplishment, placing me with the greats that played at MSU,” Varnado said. “I just have to stay focused and stay consistent.”
Varnado starred in his 24 minutes, collecting his second double-double of the season and ninth of his career with team highs of 16 rebounds and 14 points to go with his eight blocks.
“He has got a chance to be as good as anyone has ever been at blocking shots,” MSU coach Rick Stansbury said.
FDU coach Tom Green said his team had trouble navigating around Varnado’s influence on the court.
“[MSU’s] inside game causes a lot of problems with Varnado blocking as many shots as he does,” Green said. “His length and quick jumping ability causes a lot of problems inside.”
Despite Varnado’s 16 rebounds, the Bulldogs were out-rebounded for the first time this season with the Knights getting 24 of their 50 boards off the offensive glass. FDU only shot 24.2 percent from the field.
Stansbury was disappointed with MSU’s 29 personal fouls on the evening.
“Through three games we were making more free throws than opponents were attempting. That didn’t happen tonight,” Stansbury said.
FDU guard Cameron Tyler found playing in the Hump difficult as the crowd jeered loudly on each of his touches. He turned the ball over four times.
“The crowd did get to me,” he said. Tyler lead the Knights in scoring with 16 points on the night.
The Bulldogs have not trailed this season and have held all their opponents to 61 points or fewer each game and less than 32 percent shooting. MSU is averaging 85 points per game.
Sophomore Ravern Johnson had 11 points and two blocks Saturday. Junior Barry Stewart added 12 points for the Bulldogs.
“A lot of different guys are getting a lot of minutes and shot opportunities.” Stansbury said.
MSU played 13 different players Saturday, 11 of which played more than 10 minutes.
Next, the Bulldogs have their first road trip of the season this week as they head to New Jersey to meet St. Bonaventure (3-1), Washington State (3-0) and a potential match up with No. 6 Pittsburgh (4-0).
“We have to stay focused and not let the crowd make a difference,” Johnson said. “We just have to be patient on offense.”
Stansbury refused to look past Tuesday’s clash with St. Bonaventure to the clash with 2007-08 Sweet Sixteen team Washington State which will serve as a barometer for the early season.
“We are getting ready to be tested starting Tuesday night. We have St. Bonaventure first,” Stansbury said. “But Washington State is one of the top teams in the country. They are known for their half court defense. That will be a great challenge for us.”
The challenge to break the half court defense will fall to freshman point guard Dee Bost, who had six assists Saturday. His 27 assists on the season are best in the SEC.
“We have a very good passer for a point guard,” Stansbury said. “We got a lot of open shots, that’s what we have to do.”
FDU opened the season with Pittsburgh and Washington State.
“MSU has more depth than Washington State, but Washington State plays really sound fundamental defense. It’s gonna be one hell of a game,” Green said.