Razorbacks Throttle Bulldogs With Defense, 61-41

The Bulldogs walked into Bud Walton Arena looking like they were ready to prove to the world that they had finally arrived. The game was tied at 7-7, it surely seemed like this was going to be another of Mississippi State's dramatic ballgames, but it was not meant to be. The Razorbacks blasted the Bulldogs the final 12 minutes of the first half with a 23-2 run. Arkansas would lead Mississippi State 30-9 at the half and would win the contest 61-41.

The first half stats for the Bulldogs are hard to look at. Mississippi State scored 9 points and connected on just 2 of  their 21 shot attempts (9.5%). MSU was held without a field-goal for the final 14 minutes of the first half and reverted back to earlier season three-point shooting woes, going 0 for 10 from long range. After scoring in double digits in the last five contests, Craig Sword scored only 5 points against the Razorbacks. Gavin Ware was the only Bulldog in double-figures with 16 points.

The loss is even more disappointing because of the great effort put forth by the Bulldogs on defense. The Razorbacks, one of the nation's most efficient offensive teams, were stunned by the Bulldogs aggressive play and were held to their season low in points at home this season.

The second half went slightly better for the Bulldogs but the damage was done. Arkansas is far too good of an offensive team for any squad, much less the poor shooting Bulldogs, to have a chance to make a come back. The Bulldogs came as close as 15 points in the second half but 24 turnovers and poor shot selection ended any hopes of a comeback.

Coming Up Next: Mississippi State will host Alabama on Tuesday. Fans can catch the game on the SEC Network at 8 p.m.

Dawg Facts: Mississippi State was held to just 9 points in the first half, the fewest points the Bulldogs have scored in any half over the last 15 seasons.