Minutes away from tonight’s big SEC Western Division showdown. Heck, it’s a big SEC showdown, period. Winner lays claim to the league’s best overall record. LSU (19-4, 7-1 SEC) beat MSU (16-7, 6-2) on Jan. 21 in Baton Rouge, 81-57. Humphrey Coliseum still filling up right now, but the students have turned out big.
Here is my preview of today’s game, and here are the basics:
TV: None.
XM: Channel 201.
Series: LSU leads 102-92.
Last meeting: LSU, 81-57 on Jan. 21 in Baton Rouge.
Coaches: LSU – Trent Johnson (178-125, 10th year; 19-4, first year at LSU). MSU – Rick Stansbury (224-122, 11th year).
Notes: State G Barry Stewart is 11 points shy of 1,000 career points. … MSU set a school record by making 16 shots from 3-point range in Saturday’s 86-77 win over Arkansas. … LSU out-rebounded MSU 44-24 last meeting. … LSU leads the SEC in scoring defense (62.9 ppg).
Probable starters
LSU (19-4, 7-1 SEC)
G – Marcus Thornton 6-4 Sr. 20.0 ppg
G – Bo Spencer 6-1 So. 11.5 ppg
G – Garrett Temple 6-6 Sr. 6.9 ppg
C – Chris Johnson 6-11 Sr. 8.4 ppg
F – Tasmin Mitchell 6-7 Jr. 15.6 ppg
Top reserves: G Terry Martin, F Quentin Thornton, G Chris Bass.
Mississippi State (16-7, 6-2 SEC)
C – Jarvis Varnado 6-9 Jr. 12.3 ppg
G – Phil Turner 6-3 So. 8.4 ppg
G – Dee Bost 6-2 Fr. 10.5 ppg
G – Barry Stewart 6-3 Jr. 11.1 ppg
G – Ravern Johnson 6-7 So. 12.4 ppg
Top reserves: F Romero Osby, G Twany Beckham, F Brian Johnson.
Inside Mississippi State Sports with Brad Locke 
February 11, 2009 at 7:13 pm |
Barry Stewart is guarding Marcus Thornton, while Phil Turner is checking Tasmin Mitchell. LSU leads 7-4 at 15:40/1st half.
February 11, 2009 at 7:14 pm |
Too bad this game isn’t televised. Anyway, looking at the early stats, we’re hanging with them on rebounds and beating them on offensive boards.
February 11, 2009 at 7:16 pm |
In fact, looks like we’re beating them in EVERY statistic except scoring. Alas, that one matters, too. 😛
February 11, 2009 at 7:22 pm |
Varnado’s going right at Johnson, has 6 points. MSU up 13-12 at 11:44/1st half.
February 11, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
How are they looking, Brad? They’ve had a tendency to make some sloppy, dangerous passes, but judging from the turnover numbers, it seems like either they’ve tightened up or LSU isn’t capitalizing.
February 11, 2009 at 7:26 pm |
AUGUSTUS!!!
February 11, 2009 at 7:29 pm |
Kodi must be going to class, doing his homework, yes sir no sir, etc. Sure your on it BL, but can’t wait to hear the answer to the ? of why Kodi is playing again, and so early in a huge game
February 11, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
Phil Turner can jump, but he blew that dunk. Bulldogs looking a bit ragged offensively, trail 25-18 at 6:59/1st half. LSU on a 9-0 run.
February 11, 2009 at 7:37 pm |
We just need to keep it close. We’ve been a second-half team lately. Maybe that’ll keep up. Anybody know how LSU tends to fare in the second half?
February 11, 2009 at 7:39 pm |
Varnado on the bench with two fouls, but Brian Johnson doing a good job in his stead, scoring three points after JV sat. LSU leads 27-23 at 3:46/1st half.
February 11, 2009 at 7:42 pm |
Johnson has 7 points total to lead MSU.
February 11, 2009 at 7:43 pm |
Well that didn’t take long. lol
February 11, 2009 at 7:46 pm |
Can anybody guard Tasmin Mitchell? Go to that box and 1 or something
February 11, 2009 at 7:50 pm |
At the half, LSU leads MSU 31-26. State is just 2-for-8 from 3-point range; the Bulldogs average 21.3 attempts per game. LSU’s done a nice job guarding the perimeter without giving up too much inside. On the upside for State, Marcus Thornton only has 6 points. Tasmin Mitchell leads the Tigers with 15.
For MSU, Brian Johnson has 7, and Jarvis Varnado 6. Eight different Bulldogs have scored.
February 11, 2009 at 7:54 pm |
Offensive rebounding is bad on both sides, but we do have a slight edge there. Still looks like we’re playing better statistically, so we’re just a heartbeat away from beating their pants off.
February 11, 2009 at 7:54 pm |
Keep it close dogs. Heat it up in the 2nd!
February 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm |
5 pt swing on that missed dunk by turner, second one he’s missed in last two games (layup)
February 11, 2009 at 8:13 pm |
Varnado comes out strong, scoring 7 of State’s first 9 points, although he he picked up his third foul. He’s still in, and LSU leads 40-35 with Dee Bost going to the line for two shots at 15:32/2nd half.
February 11, 2009 at 8:22 pm |
At 11:32/2nd half, LSU leads 48-46. LSU point guard Bo Spencer left moments ago with a left leg injury. He was helped off, putting no pressure on that leg. Dee Bost just missed a 3-pointer that would’ve given State its first lead since 16-14.
February 11, 2009 at 8:24 pm |
Keep it rollin dogs…
February 11, 2009 at 8:35 pm |
Very unexpected that we’re getting smoked on the 3. We’re supposed to be the 3 team. Just imagine what this game would be like if we could get the 3s to go.
February 11, 2009 at 8:38 pm |
At 7:40, the intensity is picking up, and LSU leads 59-56. Varnado has 19 points for State, Mitchell has 25 for LSU.
February 11, 2009 at 8:39 pm |
B.J. has stepped it it up last few games. His (or any other big not named Swat) consistency is the key to us winning ballgames. Can’t hit 10+ 3’s every night.
February 11, 2009 at 8:47 pm |
Tiger are doing excellent job of coolly answering every Bulldog push. It’s 65-63 with 3:56 to go. Stewart on the bench with 4 fouls.
February 11, 2009 at 8:47 pm |
What is swat’s career high for points?
February 11, 2009 at 8:50 pm |
Varnado has 24 tonight, which ties his career high.
February 11, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
Swat’s ft shooting is impressive! Reveals lots of hard work in, before, and after practice!
February 11, 2009 at 8:56 pm |
swattttttttttttttttttttttttt
February 11, 2009 at 8:57 pm |
With :42.1 to go, we’re tied 69-69.
February 11, 2009 at 8:57 pm |
He is playing incredibly well… We need to pull this one out for him. I’d hate to see that effort go to waste
February 11, 2009 at 9:01 pm |
some exec at raycom just got fired. maybe he can make it to an Obama rally……….:)
February 11, 2009 at 9:02 pm |
What a nail biter…
February 11, 2009 at 9:03 pm |
I think hell is going to involve having to watch a close game on gametracker
February 11, 2009 at 9:04 pm |
No kidding, goldendawg.
February 11, 2009 at 9:06 pm |
9-11 ft shooting for Varnardo. Even after that last miss, still impressed! Mike Shanahan called that timeout inbetween to ice him…..
February 11, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
Free basketball for everyone! Let’s go dawgs!
February 11, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
Well, Varnado had a chance to put MSU ahead at the line, but we’re going to OT tied at 72. Big men Chris Johnson and Quinton Thornton have fouled out for LSU.
February 11, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
What’s the score?
February 11, 2009 at 9:08 pm |
Nevermind
February 11, 2009 at 9:09 pm |
What’s up with game tracker???
February 11, 2009 at 9:09 pm |
gotta guard the 3
February 11, 2009 at 9:09 pm |
MSU finally ahead ahead, 74-72.
February 11, 2009 at 9:10 pm |
What was the T for?
February 11, 2009 at 9:12 pm |
WTF?! Espn is saying state got a tech @ the end of regulation?
February 11, 2009 at 9:12 pm |
That was 74-73, my bad. Varnado just fouled out with 31 points, LSU up 75-74.
February 11, 2009 at 9:12 pm |
GREAT game SWAT!!!!!!!!!!!
February 11, 2009 at 9:13 pm |
Still think players should be given an extra foul in overtime…
February 11, 2009 at 9:14 pm |
Stans arguing a call was the tech. Despite the fans’ vehement protests, the officiating isn’t bad. Just good LSU defense.
February 11, 2009 at 9:14 pm |
Sounds like the Refs are getting stuff thrown at em if we lose
February 11, 2009 at 9:15 pm |
Won’t be the refs’ fault if State loses. Be their poor shooting’s fault.
February 11, 2009 at 9:15 pm |
Well Jack disagrees…advantage> Jack 🙂
February 11, 2009 at 9:16 pm |
I dunno BL. You’re there, I’m just listening. But if Jack is complaining he’s got a legitimate gripe somewhere
February 11, 2009 at 9:17 pm |
why is barry still shooting?
February 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm |
Yeah, Jack’s never been one to complain if the officiating was good. However, that’s two pairs of eyes at the game, and I have to agree that the Dawgs’ bad shooting is certainly a major factor – better shooting and this game would have been over already.
February 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm |
Won’t blame refs if we lose. Nor will the Bulldogs if my assumptions are right. MSU plays and accepts responsiblity to the end
February 11, 2009 at 9:18 pm |
sounds like Mitchell has ran over about 20 dawgs tonight…
February 11, 2009 at 9:19 pm |
There have been some questionable calls, like the phantom foul on Osby, but not as many as the fans or Jack would have you believe. MSU has just missed three straight 3-pointers.
February 11, 2009 at 9:20 pm |
I think Stansbury just stomped on his glasses.
February 11, 2009 at 9:20 pm |
Well LSU has had 19 fouls called on them since half time. So i would be skeptical to blame the refs for this one
February 11, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
STEWWWWWWWWWww
February 11, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
Two good shots at the end won’t fall for State, 82-82 as we head to second OT.
February 11, 2009 at 9:23 pm |
Now the ESPN and MSU live stat trackers are different. What the heck is going on at the Hump? Argh!
February 11, 2009 at 9:23 pm |
hmmm, anybody hanging round the Raycom offices bout now?
February 11, 2009 at 9:23 pm |
MSU live stats say 83-80 LSU. What the heck is wrong with this thing? 😛
February 11, 2009 at 9:24 pm |
dbl ot
February 11, 2009 at 9:25 pm |
cancelled out last FT, lane violation
February 11, 2009 at 9:26 pm |
Do people see why I was saying we need to focus on Mitchell now?
February 11, 2009 at 9:27 pm |
seriously, why is stewart still shooting at all?? 1 of 12!! good lord….
February 11, 2009 at 9:27 pm |
why is benock getting so many minutes??…
February 11, 2009 at 9:31 pm |
Any update?
I’ve got 3:15 left 87-85 LSU…
February 11, 2009 at 9:32 pm |
91-85 LSU, under 1:43 last I’ve got
February 11, 2009 at 9:32 pm |
We are screwing the pooch, rushing shots!
February 11, 2009 at 9:32 pm |
2 missed dunks, what the heck
February 11, 2009 at 9:33 pm |
Man…c’mon State!!!!!
February 11, 2009 at 9:33 pm |
big steal, gotta get it here with LSU foulin out again
February 11, 2009 at 9:34 pm |
When was the last time free throws kept us IN a game? Seriously, WTF?
February 11, 2009 at 9:34 pm |
Four Tigers have fouled out, but they lead 93-89 with 1:13 to go. Bailey has another FT coming.
February 11, 2009 at 9:36 pm |
got two more ot’s left in me. reminds me of yesteryear vs om in 4 ot’s……….. knock it down EB!
February 11, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
wooooooooooooooooooooo
February 11, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
93-90 LSU 1:13…what I got….Go State!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
February 11, 2009 at 9:38 pm |
Brad, it’s kind of sad that a major university and ESPN can’t provide as fast and relevant information as your blog. That, or you should be really proud of what this blog delivers.
February 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
I agree…
February 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
Was tied at 93-all, but Tasmin Mitchell strikes again. Now it’s 97-94 LSU with :12.0 left. Gotta foul quick.
February 11, 2009 at 9:41 pm |
nevermind, suckin i up
February 11, 2009 at 9:41 pm |
Man, c’mon State!!!!!!!
February 11, 2009 at 9:42 pm |
How does Swat look on bench? S.D’s LT or supportive?
February 11, 2009 at 9:43 pm |
96-94 LSU 12 secs? or is it over…?
February 11, 2009 at 9:43 pm |
That’s it. Bass tried to help the Dogs, but Turner’s 3 falls shy.
February 11, 2009 at 9:43 pm |
over with PT missin’ huh…
February 11, 2009 at 9:44 pm |
dang that is a hard loss!!….we really needed it….
February 11, 2009 at 9:44 pm |
Bah! I blame MSU’s live stats page! I couldn’t cheer hard enough because I was never quite sure what was going on.
February 11, 2009 at 9:45 pm |
We had every opportunity to win this game. Missed FT’s by LSU, the ball on last possessions, and we stunk it up. These are the best 2 teams in the SEC (Period).
February 11, 2009 at 9:45 pm |
Tough game, but proud of the Dawgs. The games left are even more important now. No time to get down
February 11, 2009 at 9:46 pm |
Sorry ima, but MSU sucked hardcore from the floor tonight. 21 free throws kept us in the game, because the 31.5% overall and 21.1% 3 percentages certainly didn’t help.
February 11, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
Tasmin Mitchell: 41 points.
February 11, 2009 at 9:47 pm |
Still, agree with midnight, proud of the Dawgs for sticking with it and keeping their heads in the game. Very good to see from a young team. And what a night from Swat! Wow!
February 11, 2009 at 9:51 pm |
8-45
Bost, Turner, Stewart (1-13), Johnson 1 layup, Benock
???????????
Again, we will only go as far as Stewart takes us. He needs to just relax, stop pressing, and shoot the ball
February 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
Protect our home court!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……Man, I’d love to just blow this board up with all kinds of f-bombs, but I’ll keep my composure…..really needed this game, but it goes back to losing to a lowly San Diego and Ole Miss on our home court, this loss wouldn’t have been so bad if we’d won those games….
February 11, 2009 at 10:03 pm |
Relax. We’re supposed to be way down this year. Yet we’re still in the position we were in tonight. I’m proud of my boys.
February 11, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
I know, just had a bad day at work, so, it makes it worse…
February 11, 2009 at 10:07 pm |
I’ll tell ya for us to shoot that bad from the field and 3-pt, but light it up with free-throws….just to stay in this game is impressive…
FG% 3pt% FT%
LSU: 44.1% 47.6% 69.2%
MSU: 31.2% 20.8% 78.8%
February 11, 2009 at 10:11 pm |
What makes it sting so bad to me is that we all know what our Dawgs are capable of doing. Yeah, they’re doing better than expected, and that’s great, but they’re capable of even better than they’re doing. When our Dawgs are playing at 100%, I’d put them up against anybody in the country and expect them to have a fair shot at winning.
The problem is that it’s so rare to see everything click. However! Tonight, we hung tough on rebounds and beat them on offensive boards, and that’s something that I, at least, have to give the Dawgs props for since that’s been my griping point all season. Way to go, Dawgs!
(Also, the MSU live stats page *STILL* says there are 7 seconds left in the game. Apparently Phil Turner has still not missed that 3. We’re still in it! :P)
February 11, 2009 at 10:11 pm |
we got some really big games coming up too. I believe we will need to win the SEC tourney to go a-dancin now. Tough loss – real tough. ESPN is predicting only 4 SEC teams are going to the show – our RPI is going to drop, and it was already at 77, ole miss at 13-10 is ahead of us.
February 11, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
Actually, the RPI might stay the same or move up by playing LSU They’re in the 50s
February 11, 2009 at 10:35 pm |
I know we lost but that was one hard fought game. I feel good about the dogs & so should the Bulldog Nation
February 11, 2009 at 10:54 pm |
A lot of things made this game what it was. First off, Im glad the guys found a new identity with an excellent inside game. Stans coached well until the last play…. HE LEFT A TIMEOUT ON THE BOARD….. Im the biggest Stans supporter you will find but he coulda burned that to and set up the final play rather than throwin up a prayer. Also I saw a passion in Jarvis Varnado that this is his team his court his game…. I hope we see more of this from him
Jarvis would have outscored Mitchell if he hadnt fouled out on a crappy call…… And there were many bad calls to go around, but thats every game. Great effort and hope this team keeps playin at this high level
GO DAWGS