Bulldogs Close Out Homestand Against Vanderbilt
February 15, 2016 | Men's Basketball
STARKVILLE — Looking to bounce back after a tough home loss to Georgia, Mississippi State closes its three-game homestand against Vanderbilt Tuesday.
The 8 p.m. SEC Network tip will provide the commentary of John Saunders, Jon Sundvold and Kaylee Hartung. Jim Ellis and Richard Williams will also have the call on the MSU Radio Network.
Mississippi State (10-14, 3-9) struggled early and could not close the gap during a 66-57 loss against Georgia. Quinndary Weatherspoon scored 17 points to lead MSU, while Craig Sword added 13. Sword and Gavin Ware each recorded six rebounds.
The Bulldogs' 57 points proved to be a season low, although MSU did force a season-high 20 turnovers in the contest.
Although Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 77-47, Mississippi State has won 11 of the last 15 contests against Vanderbilt in Humphrey Coliseum, including last year's 57-54 victory. Tuesday will also mark the first time Coach Ben Howland will face the Commodores in his career.
Vanderbilt (15-10, 7-5) enters Tuesday's game after a dominant 86-57 victory at Auburn. Damian Jones tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, while Matthew Fisher-Davis scored 16. Vanderbilt's bench also played a pivotal role with 39 combined points.
Wade Baldwin paces the Commodore offense, averaging 14.5 points per game. Luke Kornet adds 9.6 points per game and hauls in a team-best 7.6 rebounds per outing. The Commodores are 4-1 in their last five league games and 7-2 in their last nine SEC contests.
They are a really good team, and they are right in the middle of fighting to get to the tournament,” MSU coach Ben Howland said. “I watched them on tape. They were at Auburn their last game and had them down 42 with 7 minutes to go. They are really playing well. They have all of the pieces and are an NCAA Tournament team.
“They are a great defensive team. They are really great on both ends. Vanderbilt is a very impressive team to watch and study.”
Following Tuesday's action, Mississippi State begins a two-game road swing at Alabama Saturday. This weekend's contest against the Crimson Tide is slated for a 1:30 p.m. tip on the SEC Network.
