MSU to Compete in MGM Resorts Main Event in November.
MSU to Compete in MGM Resorts Main Event
June 14, 2018 | Men's Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Next season's schedule will prove to be even more challenging as Mississippi State has been selected to play in the MGM Resorts Main Event in Las Vegas Nov. 19-21.
The Bulldogs will face Arizona State in the opening round, while Saint Mary's and Utah State will meet in the other semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena.
"We're excited about playing in Las Vegas," fourth-year coach Ben Howland said. "It's the week of Thanksgiving, and there's really good competition. We're opening up against Arizona State and either playing Utah State or Saint Mary's in the second game. Both games will be a great opportunity for our team to improve and prepare for the SEC."
Each team in the tournament had an impressive 2017-18 season.
MSU, which returns all five starters led by All-SEC standout Quinndary Weatherspoon, posted a 25-12 ledger and advanced to the NIT Final Four in New York. The Bulldogs also welcome another Top 15 recruiting class.
Arizona State finished 20-12 and reached the NCAA Tournament. Saint Mary's finished its season 30-6, and made it to the quarterfinals of the NIT.
New coach Craig Smith joins Utah State after leading South Dakota to back-to-back postseason appearances.
The Bulldogs have already announced they will be playing Cincinnati, Dayton and Clemson in the non-conference portion of the schedule.
Series History
Arizona State leads, 1-0
Last meeting: 1988 where Arizona State won, 70-69.
Saint Mary's, tied 1-1
Last meeting: 2011 where Saint Mary's won, 94-72
MSU leads Utah State, 2-1
Last meeting: 2015 where Mississippi State won, 71-63
Tickets
Tickets will go on-sale this summer at the T-Mobile Arena box office, AXS.com or by calling 888-9AXSTIX. Ticket information and hotel room information for the MGM Resorts Main Event can also be found at www.mgmresortsmainevent.com.
The Bulldogs will face Arizona State in the opening round, while Saint Mary's and Utah State will meet in the other semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena.
"We're excited about playing in Las Vegas," fourth-year coach Ben Howland said. "It's the week of Thanksgiving, and there's really good competition. We're opening up against Arizona State and either playing Utah State or Saint Mary's in the second game. Both games will be a great opportunity for our team to improve and prepare for the SEC."
Each team in the tournament had an impressive 2017-18 season.
MSU, which returns all five starters led by All-SEC standout Quinndary Weatherspoon, posted a 25-12 ledger and advanced to the NIT Final Four in New York. The Bulldogs also welcome another Top 15 recruiting class.
Arizona State finished 20-12 and reached the NCAA Tournament. Saint Mary's finished its season 30-6, and made it to the quarterfinals of the NIT.
New coach Craig Smith joins Utah State after leading South Dakota to back-to-back postseason appearances.
The Bulldogs have already announced they will be playing Cincinnati, Dayton and Clemson in the non-conference portion of the schedule.
Series History
Arizona State leads, 1-0
Last meeting: 1988 where Arizona State won, 70-69.
Saint Mary's, tied 1-1
Last meeting: 2011 where Saint Mary's won, 94-72
MSU leads Utah State, 2-1
Last meeting: 2015 where Mississippi State won, 71-63
Tickets
Tickets will go on-sale this summer at the T-Mobile Arena box office, AXS.com or by calling 888-9AXSTIX. Ticket information and hotel room information for the MGM Resorts Main Event can also be found at www.mgmresortsmainevent.com.
Players Mentioned
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