Mississippi State Crushes Fort Valley State in Exhibition

The Ben Howland era at Mississippi State started off the right way, with a 95-56 exhibition victory over Fort Valley State.

I.J. Ready led the Bulldogs with 17 points, and he also added four rebounds and nine assists. Right behind Ready was freshman guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, who produced 15 points. Craig Sword put up 14 points, and Gavin Ware and Johnny Zuppardo put up 12, Zappardo adding 10 rebounds for a double double.

This game didn't start off too well for the Bulldogs, trailing 13-12 at one point in the 1st half. After a timeout, Mississippi State went on a 13-1 run and never looked back, leading 47-27 at halftime.

The Bulldogs shot the ball very effectively, going 37-69 (53.6%) from the field and 10-25 (40%) from three. Mississippi State also out-rebounded Fort Valley State 51-31 and produced 22 more assists (26-4).

Malik Newman did not play in this game, as he is suffering with turf toe.

The Ben Howland era at Mississippi State officially begins next Friday at the Humphrey Coliseum at 7 PM against Eastern Washington.