Sloppy. Ugly. Physical.
When Mississippi State and Mississippi step on the basketball court together, that’s what you usually get. And as fans might tell you, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
For the 10,429 in attendance Saturday, that’s the kind of game they got. Two teams battling it out for state bragging rights and position in the SEC standings. The game was back and forth all night. Lead changes and ties piled up. Nerves were on edge. Hearts were jammed in throats and when it was over-euphoria reigned.
The deafening noise of MSU students singing “Rock and Roll Part 2” echoed in The Hump and Derrick Zimmerman circled the floor, broom in tow. The Bulldogs swept the Rebels for only the second time since 1995 and now, coupled with Auburn’s loss to Alabama, claims a tie for first place in SEC Western Division, but the journey is far from over. The victory, while sweet, is no longer on the minds of the MSU basketball team.
Tomorrow night, the Bulldogs will take their share of the SEC West lead into the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum to take on the other possessors of that West lead-the Auburn Tigers.
The AUBURN TIGERS?!?
Wait, is this football season? Did I fall asleep somewhere? Auburn is leading the West in BASKETBALL?? ‘Tis true, basketball fans. Auburn is on top of the Western mountain, although a certain team from Starkville has been hot on the trail as of late.
After starting the SEC season 4-0, the Tigers have fallen off, only winning two of their last six, but still maintain the lead at 6-4.
So, needless to say, tomorrow night’s game is a biggie.
A win by the Bulldogs would put them on top of said mountain, but would not really guarantee them anything. Take a look at the schedule and you’ll see why.
Auburn still must make trips to Oxford, Baton Rouge and Starkville while hosting Florida and Arkansas. State, on the other hand, travels to Lexington, Knoxville and Fayetteville while hosting Alabama and Auburn. Not exactly a fun stretch for either team. But either way you slice it, both teame need this game. Both teams want this game. If only television wanted it as bad.
If you’re not brave enough to make the journey to the plains, you’ll have to watch the games like they did in the days of old-with your ears. I’m sure most of you would much rather listen to Jack and Jim than two dipstick television commentators, right? I know I would.