Molinar Dubbed Bailey Howell Trophy Finalist

by Matt Dunaway, Director/Communications

Jackson, Mississippi – Mississippi State's Iverson Molinar was named one of three finalists for the Bailey Howell Trophy announced Thursday by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

The Howell Trophy is awarded annually to the best male college basketball player in the Magnolia State. Molinar along with Jarkel Joiner of Ole Miss and Tyler Stevenson of Southern Miss are the 2021-22 finalists.

Named after Mississippi State legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bailey Howell, the Bulldogs have captured the Howell Trophy during three of the last four seasons. Quinndary Weatherspoon was a two-time recipient during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, while Reggie Perry earned the 2019-20 honor.

This year's winner will be announced during a luncheon at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson on Monday, March 7.

Molinar, a consensus All-SEC Preseason First-Team selection, has provided consecutive seasons of 500-plus points and enters this weekend's action 12 points shy of becoming the 28th player in program history to reach 1,200 career points.

Molinar's streak of 28 consecutive games to start the season in double figures is the longest run for a MSU player since Tony Watts accomplished the feat during all 28 games of the 1991-92 season. The Panama native is one of three players in the country to score in double figures during every game his team has played in this season.

Molinar has scored or assisted on 37.6 percent of State's points this season. He has spent a majority of the season ranked among the SEC's top 10 in points (18.0 – 3rd), field goal percentage (47.5 – 6th) and assists (3.71 – 11th). He is tied for fifth among Power 5 players with eight outings of 15-plus points and 5-plus assists.

Molinar has amassed 18 career games of 20-plus points where the Bulldogs have gone 13-5. He piled up 22 of his career-high 30 points during the second half and overtime at No. 12 Kentucky earlier this season. Molinar is one of eight players in program history to score 30-plus points versus Kentucky dating back to 1953-54.

ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi's rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream.

The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.MSFame.com or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs wrap up the regular season with two of their last three games inside Humphrey Coliseum. First up, a Saturday matinee against Vanderbilt. Tip time is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT televised by SEC Network and available online courtesy of the ESPN app and www.ESPN.com/watch.

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.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Molinar Dubbed Bailey Howell Trophy Finalist

Players Mentioned

Iverson Molinar

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