Mississippi State Drops Road Decision to Vanderbilt

Mississippi State and the Vanderbilt came into Wednesday night's contest in Nashville as two programs going in opposite directions since the Bulldogs' earlier victory over the Commodores this year, and they left as two teams still going in opposite directions as Vanderbilt powered past Mississippi State in the second half to secure a 66-56 victory.

In a replay of a scene that has played out many times for Mississippi State this season, the Bulldogs jumped out to a first half lead, holding an eleven-point lead at 28-17.  Vanderbilt rallied to tie the game in the first half, but Mississippi State headed to the locker room up 36-32 lead.

The Maroon and White players made it out to the court in the second half, but the offense was late to the party.  Vanderbilt took advantage of a seven minute Mississippi State shooting drought to make a run and take a 46-40 lead. The Bulldogs were within two points at 56-54 with just under five minutes to play, but they could never find a way to tie or regain the lead.

Craig Sword led the Bulldogs with 20 points.

Mississippi State (12-18, 5-13) finishes the season Saturday against Missouri in what will be the final home game for the Bulldog's senior class.