For the third game in a row, Mississippi State’s offense was just that, offensive. The Bulldogs hung close with the sixth ranked Syracuse Orange for a half, but the defense finally broke down in the second half as the ‘Cuse cruised to a 71-58 victory in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Madison Square Garden.
The first half was a physical defensive affair. Neither team shot over 30 percent in the half as both defenses dominated. The teams went to the locker rooms tied at 25.
The second half was a completely different game. Syracuse started the half with an 11-0 run and never looked back as Hakim Warrick lit up the Garden. The Syracuse star scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half and Syracuse as a team scored 46 points in the second half.
Lawrence Roberts started the game wearing a protective mask for his broken nose but was mostly ineffective on the scoring end with only nine points.
Roberts did lead the team in rebounds, however, with 11 boards. Shane Power scored 18 points for the Bulldogs but was the only State player to score in double figures.
Mississippi State will play St. Mary’s tonight at 7 p.m. in the consolation game.
The Dawgs open their home schedule Sunday.