Winning on the road isn’t that difficult after all. In four games, Mississippi State has produced three wins. Not too shabby.
The Bulldogs’ latest was a convincing 83-64 victory against Auburn.
Here’s the funny stat. MSU commits 24 turnovers on the road and wins by 19 points. Strange, I say. Just strange.
This win sets up a mighty big showdown with Arkansas next Saturday. At least I think it’s big. Not sure about you guys.
Mississippi State bolted out to a 10-0 lead and never looked as it takes a 44-29 lead into the break. The Bulldogs have dominated every facet of the game, from shooting to defending and finally, rebounding.
Here’s how bad it is:
• MSU is 13 of 23 from the floor and 14 of 15 at the foul line.
• Auburn is 9 of 31 from the floor and 8 of 9 at the line.
• The Bulldogs have out-rebounded the Tigers, 26-8. Yep. 26-8.
• If there’s a negative, MSU has 12 turnover.
• Charles Rhodes and Ben Hansbrough lead the Bulldogs with 13 points each, while Frank Tolbert leads Auburn with 11.
• And with four blocks, Jarvis Varnado set the single-season record, breaking Erick Dampier’s mark of 106. Varnado now has 109 with 7.5 games left in the regular season.
It’s time for some basketball.
We’re about 20 minutes from tip-off, and there’s really not much to report. All players are present and accounted for.
Don’t forget, the game is on TV, Fox Sports Net. For you Direct TV subscribers, that’s either 630, 633, or 634. It just depends on the lineup.
Now for some nuggets:
• MSU has won 11 out of the last 13 against Auburn.
• With 200 career wins, Rick Stansbury has become the 20th member of the SEC’s 200-win club.
• Five of State’s losses have been by seven points or less.
• MSU ranks second nationally in both field goal pct. defense (.363) and blocks (8.5).
• In the last 13 meetings, the Bulldogs have out-rebounded Auburn every time.
Scouting the game . . .
• Coaches: Mississippi State – Rick Stansbury (200-111, 10th year); Auburn – Jeff Lebo (55-57, 4th year at Auburn; 170-120 in 10th season overall).
• Notes: MSU has swept Auburn four of the last six years. … The Bulldogs have won 11 out of the last 13 against the Tigers. … Ben Hansbrough is expected to be back in the starting lineup. … MSU hasn’t been 7-2 in league play since going 10-2 in 2004.
• Probable Starters
Mississippi State (15-7, 6-2)
G – Ben Hansbrough 6-2 So. 9.7 ppg
G – Barry Stewart 6-2 So. 12.2 ppg
G – Jamont Gordon 6-4 Jr. 17.8 ppg
F – Charles Rhodes 6-8 Sr. 14.8 ppg
F – Jarvis Varnado 6-9 So. 7.0 ppg
Top reserves: G Riley Benock, G Ravern Johnson, F Elgin Bailey
Auburn (12-9, 2-6)
F – Quan Prowell 6-8 Sr. 14.4 ppg
G – Frank Tolbert 6-4 Sr. 12.5 ppg
G – DeWayne Reed 6-1 So. 9.5 ppg
G – Rasheem Barrett 6-5 Jr. 13.4 ppg
G – Quantez Robertson 6-3 Jr. 7.3 ppg
Top reserves: F Lucas Hargrove
