Monday, December 30
Starkville
7:00 PM
Mississippi State
vs
Kent State
Gameday: Five Things to Know About MSU-Kent State
December 29, 2019 | Men's Basketball
by Matt Dunaway, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State faces its last non-conference test before SEC action and closes out the 2019 calendar year against Kent State on Monday at Humphrey Coliseum.
The Matchup: Mississippi State (8-3, 0-0 SEC) vs. Kent State (10-2, 0-0 MAC)
Where: Starkville, Mississippi – Humphrey Coliseum
When: Monday, Dec. 30, 7:00 p.m. CT
Live Stats: StatBroadcast (https://hailst.at/MBKLiveStats)
Tickets: MSU Ticket Office (https://hailst.at/KentStTix1920)
TV: SEC Network+
Online Only: WatchESPN App (https://hailst.at/KentStvsMSU123019)
Radio: Mississippi State Sports Network – Powered by Learfield IMG College
Talent: Jim Ellis, Richard Williams (Also simulcast on SEC Network+)
Affiliates: WKBB-FM 100.9 Starkville/West Point (Full List: https://hailst.at/MBKAffiliates)
Free Online Audio: Hail State Plus (https://hailst.at/MBKListen); Tune-In Radio App (https://hailst.at/MBKtunein)
Sirius XM/Internet: Ch. 977
MSU-KENT STATE HARDWOOD SERIES
Monday's matchup is the first between Mississippi State and Kent State on the hardwood. The Bulldogs have faced five MAC schools in program history which include Akron (0-2), Ball State (1-1), Bowling Green (1-1), Eastern Michigan (1-1) and Miami, Ohio (0-2).
METAL DETECTORS/CLEAR BAGS
In an effort to continue Mississippi State's long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors have been implemented at all entrances of Humphrey Coliseum on basketball gamedays.
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys and cameras in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. The metal detectors and clear bag policies provide a safer atmosphere and speed up the entry process into The Hump.
For more gameday information, visit https://hailst.at/MBKGameday
PROMOTIONS/TICKETS/SEC MINI PLANS
The Bulldogs matchup with Kent State (Dec. 30) is a "$1 General Admission Night" with advanced purchase at www.HailState.com/tickets or in person at the Mississippi State Athletics Ticket Office located on the first floor of the Bryan Building. Discounted pricing will not be available on gamedays at the Humphrey Coliseum Box Office.
Mississippi State is offering a $60 SEC four-game mini plan at www.HailState.com/tickets which features a trio of Saturday matchups against Georgia (Jan. 18), Tennessee (Feb. 1) and Ole Miss (March 7) in addition to the Alabama (Feb. 25) game.
FROM THE BENCH WITH COACH HOWLAND
"We didn't block out well during the New Mexico State game. That's something that has been a problem at different points for us during the season. There's too big of a disparity between the offensive rebounding where we're number one in the country and being ranked in the 200's on the defensive end. Obviously, we have to get our guards to rebound better and help us on defense. Kent State is very-skilled team with a talented stretch four (Danny Pippen) that causes problems because of the matchup. They'll be known to mix up their defenses and are very smart with how they play."
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE
1. Last time out, Mississippi State was handed a 58-52 defeat by New Mexico State in Jackson. The Bulldogs nearly overcame a 14-point deficit inside the game's last 11 minutes. Mississippi State was able to grab a 52-51 advantage with two minutes to go, but the Aggies scored the last seven points to claim the six-point decision. Reggie Perry logged his fifth double-double this season and 14th of his career. He ripped off 12 of his 17 points during the second half and hauled down 10 rebounds. Tyson Carter tacked on 11 points and three assists, while Robert Woodard II secured nine points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Nick Weatherspoon chipped in eight points and two steals before fouling out during his season debut.
2. Mississippi State has amassed 56 victories since the start of the 2017-18 season which is fourth in the SEC only behind Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Bulldogs has posted consecutive 20-win seasons and are looking to string together three straight 20-win campaigns for the first time in program history since 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Those three seasons also are the last time Mississippi State has made the postseason in back-to-back-to-back seasons: 2007-08 (NCAA), 2008-09 (NCAA) and 2009-10 (NIT).
3. Reggie Perry is a preseason All-America selection by Lindy's (First Team), Street & Smith (Second Team) and Athlon Magazines (Third Team) in addition to being named a consensus All-SEC First-Team honoree. He is coming off a sensational offseason where had the opportunity to attend the NBA Draft Combine and workout for several NBA franchises. Perry is currently listed as a candidate for six major awards which include the John R. Wooden, Karl Malone, Lute Olson, Naismith, NABC and Oscar Robertson. He has pumped in double figures in 10 of 11 games headed by 15-plus points in five of his last seven outings since the Tulane game on 11/21. Perry's 14.5 points are tied for 15th, while his 9.2 rebounds are second in the SEC rankings. His season-high is 18 points against Tulane on 11/21, No. 17 Villanova on 11/22 and versus Radford on 12/18. Perry has amassed 14 career double-double which holds the top spot among SEC active players.
4. Tyson Carter has improved his points, rebounds, assists and steals average over his first three seasons at Mississippi State. The senior guard is a fixture on the SEC leaderboard and ranks inside the league's top 10 in points (16.1 – 11th), assists (4.4 – 10th) and three-pointers made (2.3 – T-5th). Carter has already piled up a quartet of 20-plus point performances which is tied for 6th in the SEC. He heads into Monday's game with double figures in six of his last seven appearances. Carter has registered 1,098 career points and is eying three players on MSU's all-time scoring list. He is 19 points away from moving past W.D. Stroud (1961-62-63) into 33rd place and 26 points shy of his father, Greg Carter, for 31st place. The Carter's are the SEC's only father-son tandem to score over 1,000 points apiece. Tyson's 1,098 points are third among SEC active players only behind Ole Miss' Breein Tyree and LSU's Skylar Mays.
5. Abdul Ado has piled up 10.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game over his last four outings … He racked up a season's best 17 points and 12 rebounds against Radford on 12/18 … Ado has been rated among the SEC's best shot blockers during each of the last three seasons … His 1.4 blocks per game in 2019-20 are good enough for a ninth-place tie … Ado has racked up 139 career blocks over 78 career games and has climbed to eighth place on MSU's all-time list … His 1.78 career BPG are third in program history only behind legendary shot blockers Jarvis Varnado (2007-08-09-10) and Erick Dampier (1994-95-96) … Robert Woodard II has provided 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game on the season … The 7.8 RPG are sixth on the SEC list … Woodard II possesses the only 20-point, 15-rebound game among SEC players this season when he racked up career-highs with 21 points and 16 rebounds against New Orleans on 11/17 … He has already collected double figures in six games after having three games of 10-plus during the entire 2018-19 season … Woodard II nearly tucked away his third double-double of the season with 17 points and nine rebounds versus Radford on 12/18 … Iverson Molinar and D.J. Stewart Jr. have teamed for 10 games of 10-plus points during their freshman season … The duo has accounted for 91 of the team's 150 bench points (60.7 percent) when coming off the bench … Molinar's season-high is 21 points aided by four treys against Tulane on 11/21, while Stewart Jr. contributed a pair of 10-point performances during the Kansas State and Radford games on 12/14 and 12/18, respectively, as a starter … KeyShawn Feazell and Prince Oduro also have been solid contributors to MSU's rotation … Oduro claimed a pair of 6-point efforts during the Tulane and Coastal Carolina wins , while Feazell added five points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals against Tulane in Myrtle Beach … After missing the first 10 games of the season, Nick Weatherspoon made his season debut versus New Mexico State on 12/22 where he contributed eight points and two steals … He has started in 60 of 61 career games and secured 9.6 points and 2.3 assists per game last season.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
The Golden Flashes opened their season with five consecutive victories and have won five of their last six to arrive at 10-2 on the season. Kent State's two losses are to No. 2 Ohio State (71-52 on 11.25) and to UC Irvine (74-68 on 12/16).
Five players average in double figures for the Golden Flashes headed by Danny Pippen (14.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 BPG). He has amassed double figures in 11 of 12 outings and a pair of double-doubles on the season. Pippen posted a season-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting versus Hampton on 12/21.
Antonio Williams (13.6 PPG, 4.0 APG) has knocked down 51.4 percent from the floor and recently returned from a two-game absence. He has strung together five straight games in double figures which includes a season's beset 19 points against Cleveland State on 12/07.
Anthony Roberts (12.6 PPG), Troy Simons (12.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG) and Philip Whittington (11.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 BPG) have contributed to Kent State's offense averaging 81.3 points and hitting on 9.3 three-pointers per contest.
Simons has drained 38 of his 52 field goals from beyond the three-point line en route to 10-plus points in 10 of 12 outings, while Whittington collected his third double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds during the North Carolina A&T game on 12/17.
UP NEXT
Mississippi State turns its attention to its 18-game SEC slate versus undefeated and No. 8 Auburn next Saturday. Tip time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT from Humphrey Coliseum. The game will be televised by SEC Network and carried online courtesy of the Watch ESPN platform.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State faces its last non-conference test before SEC action and closes out the 2019 calendar year against Kent State on Monday at Humphrey Coliseum.
The Matchup: Mississippi State (8-3, 0-0 SEC) vs. Kent State (10-2, 0-0 MAC)
Where: Starkville, Mississippi – Humphrey Coliseum
When: Monday, Dec. 30, 7:00 p.m. CT
Live Stats: StatBroadcast (https://hailst.at/MBKLiveStats)
Tickets: MSU Ticket Office (https://hailst.at/KentStTix1920)
TV: SEC Network+
Online Only: WatchESPN App (https://hailst.at/KentStvsMSU123019)
Radio: Mississippi State Sports Network – Powered by Learfield IMG College
Talent: Jim Ellis, Richard Williams (Also simulcast on SEC Network+)
Affiliates: WKBB-FM 100.9 Starkville/West Point (Full List: https://hailst.at/MBKAffiliates)
Free Online Audio: Hail State Plus (https://hailst.at/MBKListen); Tune-In Radio App (https://hailst.at/MBKtunein)
Sirius XM/Internet: Ch. 977
MSU-KENT STATE HARDWOOD SERIES
Monday's matchup is the first between Mississippi State and Kent State on the hardwood. The Bulldogs have faced five MAC schools in program history which include Akron (0-2), Ball State (1-1), Bowling Green (1-1), Eastern Michigan (1-1) and Miami, Ohio (0-2).
METAL DETECTORS/CLEAR BAGS
In an effort to continue Mississippi State's long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors have been implemented at all entrances of Humphrey Coliseum on basketball gamedays.
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys and cameras in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. The metal detectors and clear bag policies provide a safer atmosphere and speed up the entry process into The Hump.
For more gameday information, visit https://hailst.at/MBKGameday
PROMOTIONS/TICKETS/SEC MINI PLANS
The Bulldogs matchup with Kent State (Dec. 30) is a "$1 General Admission Night" with advanced purchase at www.HailState.com/tickets or in person at the Mississippi State Athletics Ticket Office located on the first floor of the Bryan Building. Discounted pricing will not be available on gamedays at the Humphrey Coliseum Box Office.
Mississippi State is offering a $60 SEC four-game mini plan at www.HailState.com/tickets which features a trio of Saturday matchups against Georgia (Jan. 18), Tennessee (Feb. 1) and Ole Miss (March 7) in addition to the Alabama (Feb. 25) game.
FROM THE BENCH WITH COACH HOWLAND
"We didn't block out well during the New Mexico State game. That's something that has been a problem at different points for us during the season. There's too big of a disparity between the offensive rebounding where we're number one in the country and being ranked in the 200's on the defensive end. Obviously, we have to get our guards to rebound better and help us on defense. Kent State is very-skilled team with a talented stretch four (Danny Pippen) that causes problems because of the matchup. They'll be known to mix up their defenses and are very smart with how they play."
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE
1. Last time out, Mississippi State was handed a 58-52 defeat by New Mexico State in Jackson. The Bulldogs nearly overcame a 14-point deficit inside the game's last 11 minutes. Mississippi State was able to grab a 52-51 advantage with two minutes to go, but the Aggies scored the last seven points to claim the six-point decision. Reggie Perry logged his fifth double-double this season and 14th of his career. He ripped off 12 of his 17 points during the second half and hauled down 10 rebounds. Tyson Carter tacked on 11 points and three assists, while Robert Woodard II secured nine points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Nick Weatherspoon chipped in eight points and two steals before fouling out during his season debut.
2. Mississippi State has amassed 56 victories since the start of the 2017-18 season which is fourth in the SEC only behind Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Bulldogs has posted consecutive 20-win seasons and are looking to string together three straight 20-win campaigns for the first time in program history since 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Those three seasons also are the last time Mississippi State has made the postseason in back-to-back-to-back seasons: 2007-08 (NCAA), 2008-09 (NCAA) and 2009-10 (NIT).
3. Reggie Perry is a preseason All-America selection by Lindy's (First Team), Street & Smith (Second Team) and Athlon Magazines (Third Team) in addition to being named a consensus All-SEC First-Team honoree. He is coming off a sensational offseason where had the opportunity to attend the NBA Draft Combine and workout for several NBA franchises. Perry is currently listed as a candidate for six major awards which include the John R. Wooden, Karl Malone, Lute Olson, Naismith, NABC and Oscar Robertson. He has pumped in double figures in 10 of 11 games headed by 15-plus points in five of his last seven outings since the Tulane game on 11/21. Perry's 14.5 points are tied for 15th, while his 9.2 rebounds are second in the SEC rankings. His season-high is 18 points against Tulane on 11/21, No. 17 Villanova on 11/22 and versus Radford on 12/18. Perry has amassed 14 career double-double which holds the top spot among SEC active players.
4. Tyson Carter has improved his points, rebounds, assists and steals average over his first three seasons at Mississippi State. The senior guard is a fixture on the SEC leaderboard and ranks inside the league's top 10 in points (16.1 – 11th), assists (4.4 – 10th) and three-pointers made (2.3 – T-5th). Carter has already piled up a quartet of 20-plus point performances which is tied for 6th in the SEC. He heads into Monday's game with double figures in six of his last seven appearances. Carter has registered 1,098 career points and is eying three players on MSU's all-time scoring list. He is 19 points away from moving past W.D. Stroud (1961-62-63) into 33rd place and 26 points shy of his father, Greg Carter, for 31st place. The Carter's are the SEC's only father-son tandem to score over 1,000 points apiece. Tyson's 1,098 points are third among SEC active players only behind Ole Miss' Breein Tyree and LSU's Skylar Mays.
5. Abdul Ado has piled up 10.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game over his last four outings … He racked up a season's best 17 points and 12 rebounds against Radford on 12/18 … Ado has been rated among the SEC's best shot blockers during each of the last three seasons … His 1.4 blocks per game in 2019-20 are good enough for a ninth-place tie … Ado has racked up 139 career blocks over 78 career games and has climbed to eighth place on MSU's all-time list … His 1.78 career BPG are third in program history only behind legendary shot blockers Jarvis Varnado (2007-08-09-10) and Erick Dampier (1994-95-96) … Robert Woodard II has provided 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game on the season … The 7.8 RPG are sixth on the SEC list … Woodard II possesses the only 20-point, 15-rebound game among SEC players this season when he racked up career-highs with 21 points and 16 rebounds against New Orleans on 11/17 … He has already collected double figures in six games after having three games of 10-plus during the entire 2018-19 season … Woodard II nearly tucked away his third double-double of the season with 17 points and nine rebounds versus Radford on 12/18 … Iverson Molinar and D.J. Stewart Jr. have teamed for 10 games of 10-plus points during their freshman season … The duo has accounted for 91 of the team's 150 bench points (60.7 percent) when coming off the bench … Molinar's season-high is 21 points aided by four treys against Tulane on 11/21, while Stewart Jr. contributed a pair of 10-point performances during the Kansas State and Radford games on 12/14 and 12/18, respectively, as a starter … KeyShawn Feazell and Prince Oduro also have been solid contributors to MSU's rotation … Oduro claimed a pair of 6-point efforts during the Tulane and Coastal Carolina wins , while Feazell added five points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals against Tulane in Myrtle Beach … After missing the first 10 games of the season, Nick Weatherspoon made his season debut versus New Mexico State on 12/22 where he contributed eight points and two steals … He has started in 60 of 61 career games and secured 9.6 points and 2.3 assists per game last season.
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
The Golden Flashes opened their season with five consecutive victories and have won five of their last six to arrive at 10-2 on the season. Kent State's two losses are to No. 2 Ohio State (71-52 on 11.25) and to UC Irvine (74-68 on 12/16).
Five players average in double figures for the Golden Flashes headed by Danny Pippen (14.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 BPG). He has amassed double figures in 11 of 12 outings and a pair of double-doubles on the season. Pippen posted a season-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting versus Hampton on 12/21.
Antonio Williams (13.6 PPG, 4.0 APG) has knocked down 51.4 percent from the floor and recently returned from a two-game absence. He has strung together five straight games in double figures which includes a season's beset 19 points against Cleveland State on 12/07.
Anthony Roberts (12.6 PPG), Troy Simons (12.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG) and Philip Whittington (11.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 BPG) have contributed to Kent State's offense averaging 81.3 points and hitting on 9.3 three-pointers per contest.
Simons has drained 38 of his 52 field goals from beyond the three-point line en route to 10-plus points in 10 of 12 outings, while Whittington collected his third double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds during the North Carolina A&T game on 12/17.
UP NEXT
Mississippi State turns its attention to its 18-game SEC slate versus undefeated and No. 8 Auburn next Saturday. Tip time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT from Humphrey Coliseum. The game will be televised by SEC Network and carried online courtesy of the Watch ESPN platform.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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