Mississippi State
20-11,8-10SEC
Vanderbilt
18-13,11-7SEC
Bulldogs Come Up Just Short At Vandy
March 04, 2023 | Men's Basketball
MSU falls 77-72.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mississippi State got up a potential game-tying three-point attempt in the closing seconds on Saturday night, but ultimately fell 77-72 to Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium.
The Bulldogs fell victim to a group of sharpshooting Commodores who claimed the victory thanks in large part to a 12-for-25 evening from behind the three-point line.
"We made four 3s and they made 12 and that's hard to overcome," State head coach Chris Jans said. "That's a 24-point differential there, and it's just hard."
Both Tolu Smith and D.J. Jeffries recorded double-doubles for MSU in the defeat. Smith tied a career high with 27 points and also had 11 rebounds. Jeffries scored 17 points to go along with 11 boards of his own. Shakeel Moore chipped in 13 points for the Dawgs.
MSU never led in the game but battled and still gave itself a chance to win.
Vandy led 37-27 at halftime, then increased its advantage to 42-27 in the opening moments of the second half. From there though, the Dawgs rallied.
Smith scored nine straight points to pull MSU back within six with 16:51 remaining. Over the next several minutes, Moore piled up nine quick points for State and by the time Shawn Jones, Jr., dunked with 11:41 left, MSU was down just two points at 49-47. However, the Dawgs would get no closer.
State did get back within two at 74-72 with eight seconds left, then when down 75-72, missed the possible tying trey with two seconds remaining. Vanderbilt followed by sinking a pair of free throws on the other end to cement its victory.
It was far from the regular-season finish MSU was hoping for, however State remains solidly in the mix to try and earn an NCAA Tournament berth. The Bulldogs will attempt to do just that starting Thursday when they begin play in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. State will face Florida on Thursday at noon.
"I'm very disappointed [about Saturday's loss] – I'm hurt and it stings," Jans said. "But I'm also proud of our guys…We're going to regroup and we're going to be ready on Thursday to play."
