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Where and When to Watch: SEC Network & ESPN3, 8 PM CST
THE BATTLE OF WINLESS SEC TEAMS
Mississippi State heads to College Station, Texas looking to avoid their first 0-3 start in SEC play since 2006.The Bulldogs have come out on the losing end in eight of their last ten games by an average of 12 points. When MSU falls behind early in games they tend to act like a five point deficit is a fifty point deficit and take unadvised shots, turn over the ball and fail to get back on defense. The multiple starting lineup changes have not produced any results this season and unless the team can find a consistent scoring threat outside of Roquez Johnson they will continue to struggle in SEC play.
Texas A&M (9-5,0-2) had quite the wild swing to open SEC play. The Aggies started out with a blowout loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa but followed that performance by taking No.1 Kentucky to double OT and if it wasn't for nine made three pointers by Kentucky, the Aggies likely would have won the game. Danuel House was a stud for the Aggies in the Kentucky game. House scored a game high 25 points and hit the clutch free throws in the closing moments of the second half that would send the game to overtime.
In their last outing, Mississippi State (7-8, 0-2)was throttled by the Florida Gators and have been pancaked in both of their SEC contests this season. The Bulldogs have failed to find any rhythm on offense and giving up easy buckets and uncontested threes has not helped the cause. MSU and A&M join Georgia and South Carolina as the only teams in the SEC that have yet to win a conference game. Only one team can come away with their first SEC win and unfortunately for Bulldogs' fans it won't be MSU. I expect Texas A&M to come out somewhat lethargic because of the disappointing ending to the Kentucky game but the Aggies will pull away for a big win late.
Dawg Facts: The Bulldogs have lost fifteen straight in SEC play which is the second longest streak in school history. MSU has lost sixteen straight in league play twice, 1946 & 1982.
Prediction: Texas A&M 75-61