Bulldogs Set To Defend SEC Tournament Title Beginning Friday
STARKVILLE, Miss. - It's been a year since Mississippi State completed it's magical four-game run in the SEC Tournament that culminated with a third championship in school history.
Beginning Friday, the Bulldogs (21-10, 9-7) begin defense of their title against Thursday's winner between Auburn and Florida. Tip at Bridgestone Arena is set for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be televised by the SEC Network.
To successfully repeat, it will be a road less traveled this time around.
Last year in Tampa, MSU had to win four games in four days. This week, it will only take three due to earning the bye after winning the Western Division crown and securing the top seed.
"It's a new season," said 12th-year MSU coach Rick Stansbury, whose 14 tournament wins are tied for the 9th most in SEC history. "Anything can happen."
It certainly did last year as the Bulldogs disposed of Georgia, South Carolina, LSU and Tennessee to take the hardware and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
And the Bulldogs will need that same effort again this week to earn their 11th bid to the Big Dance when the field is announced on Sunday.
"This is what you play for," All-SEC forward Jarvis Varnado said. "To win championships. We've got a lot to prove and a lot to play for."
In the regular season, Mississippi State split its series with Auburn, winning at Humphrey Coliseum, and losing at Florida. The Bulldogs last played the Gators in the SEC Tournament in 2005, losing 80-64. Their last game against the Tigers was in 1996 and it resulted in a 69-58 win.
Overall, MSU is 25-46 in the SEC Tournament - 2-1 against Auburn and 1-2 against Florida.
If the Bulldogs win, they'll play at 2:15 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
"We're looking forward to this opportunity," senior guard Barry Stewart said. "What we did last year was special. And I know it's something we can do again."
The Bulldogs enter the tournament led in scoring by Ravern Johnson and Varnado at 13.5 points. Varnado, who has been named the SEC's defensive player of the year three-straight years, also leads the league in rebounds (10.6) and blocked shots (148).
Joining them in double-digit scoring are Dee Bost (12.9) and Stewart (11.5). Bost is also second in the league with 166 assists, while Johnson is fourth with 77 made 3-pointers.