There won’t be any sharing of the Western Division title this time.
Mississippi State made sure of that on Saturday with a very impressive 68-59 victory against Florida, the two-time defending national champions.
And I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Bulldogs punched their NCAA tournament ticket, too.
If you are wondering about the Swamp reference, that’s what Charles Rhodes called the O’Connell Center after the Auburn game on Wednesday.
Next up is Vandy.
The second half hasn’t exactly been start Mississippi State wanted coming out of the locker room.
With 13:39 to play, the Bulldogs lead 41-36, and they’ve yet to make a field goal. Their two points have been the result of two free throws, one by Charles Rhodes and the other by Jamont Gordon.
MSU has missed its first seven shots.
Meanwhile, the Gators have closed the 12-point deficit at the break thanks to their nine points.
Just got the official stat sheet, and it reads:
Mississippi State 39, Florid 27.
I kid you not. You’d think the home team would it right, wouldn’t ya?
In the first 20 minutes of action, that is.
At the break, it’s Mississippi State 39, Florida 27. At the O’Connell Center, mind you.
Seriously.
MSU has hit 14 of its 31 shots, while the Gators are 11 of 30.
Ben Hansbrough leads the Bulldogs with 10 points, while Jarvis Varnado has seven, with three coming at the foul line. Nick Calaethes leads Florida with eight.
Your thoughts? Best half of the year for the Bulldogs?
With 13:57 to play in the opening half, MSU is enjoying a 19-14 lead.
The Bulldogs are shooting 7 of 19, while the Gators are 6 of 7.
I guess Tommy Kelly can pay for his own room at the Ramada Inn after signing a $50 million deal with Oakland.
Heck, he should pay back his scholarship, too. Let’s be honest, I don’t think he was ever accused of giving his all during his time at Mississippi Stae.
Tired of your local media hacks? If so, try this . . .
• Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun says the Bulldogs are unappreciated.
• Kevin Brockway, also of the Sun, pens about the Bulldogs’ defense.
Tim Brando and Mike Gminski will handle the call.
This year, Mississippi State is 11-7 on live television, with three-straight wins against South Carolina, Arkansas and Auburn.
We’re a little more than an hour away from tipoff here at the O’Connell Center, and lemme just say, it’s rather warm outside. High 70s. Gotta like that.
In case you haven’t read the preview, Mississippi State wants more than just the West.
The Scouting Report
• Florida has won three in a row in this series by an average of 11 points.
• In its last 10 trips to Gainesville, MSU is 4-6.
• With Rick Stansbury at the helm, State has now won 10-plus SEC games three times.
• The Bulldogs have with won or shared the Western Division title four out of the last six seasons.
Probable Starters
Mississippi State (19-8, 10-3)
G – Ben Hansbrough
G – Barry Stewart
G – Jamont Gordon
F – Charles Rhodes
F – Jarvis Varnado
Florida (21-7, 8-5)
F – Dan Werner
F – Marreese Speights
G –Jai Lucas
G – Walter Hodge
G – Nick Calathes
