Mississippi State made more turnovers than field goals in the first half, but was able to go into the locker room with a four-point half time lead because of a well-played 2-3 zone that held Ole Miss to under 30 percent from the field. MSU head coach Rick Stansbury was accurate in his assessment of the game when he said that State lost the game in the first 30 seconds of the second session. “Ole Miss came out and made consecutive threes to change us from up four to down two, and that changed their energy level, and the remaining 19:30 of the game.” Stansbury also added that the 10 first-half turnovers prevented State from key scoring opportunities, saying, “We should have been up by 10 at half time.” State went to a man to man defense in the second half that Stansbury criticized for being too soft. Ole Miss extended their lead to 10 with 7:18 left in regulation. State fought back, getting a big three from senior Michael Gholar, who was a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line, and led the team in rebounds with eight. State would trim the margin to three with 2:17, but on the ensuing possession, Ole Miss sophomore Aaron Harper, who shot just 3-13 on the day made the three that broke the Bulldogs back. Ole Miss was in control the rest of the way.
Ole Miss head coach Rod Barnes said he thought the Rebels did a good job of hanging in the game, despite not playing extremely well. When asked about Harper shooting the three, despite having a cold performance, Barnes said, “I am not concerned with guys missing shots. I told him to keep shooting at halftime. I have confidence in whoever I have on the court.”
What a difference a week makes in the SEC. Just one week after upsetting the perennial powerhouse Kentucky, MSU is now in a bit of a pinch at 1-2 in the conference. Stansbury said things will be okay, as long as the Bulldogs can hold serve at home, and eventually steal a couple of wins on the road. There is no such thing as a small game in the SEC, but this Wednesday’s battle with Tennessee is a must win and Saturday’s trip to Alabama is always tough. Tennessee comes to Starkville following a loss at Georgia at the hands of a buzzer beater. The Volunteers have played in several close games this season, but find themselves at 0-6 in games decided by 5 points or less. Tip-off against Tennessee is set for 7 p.m. at Humphrey Coliseum.