SEC Hoops Preview: Mizzou

Bad vs REALLY BAD

Who: Missouri Tigers (9-22, 3-14) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-18, 5-12)

Where to Watch: SEC Network, The Hump

When to Watch: 5:30 PM CST

It's the end of the regular season and more importantly it is the end of  Trivante Bloodman, Isaiah Butler, Jeffery Johnson and Roquez Johnson's careers at Mississippi State. Senior Night is always an emotional time for the young men who have put their heart and soul into a team and a program. No matter how poorly the season has gone for Mississippi State all fans should give these four seniors the respect they deserve Saturday night.

Since their last meeting, back on Valentine's Day, not a lot has changed for Mississippi State and Missouri. The Tigers lost three of their next five to remain dead last in the SEC standings while the Bulldogs went on to lose their next five games. Outside of nice upset wins over LSU and Tennessee, this season has been a total nightmare for Mississippi State fans.The combination of blowouts and gut-wrenching losses to Ole Miss have taken a toll on both the team and the fan base but there is no doubt that there is still talent on this roster. Craig Sword has scored 20+ points in the last two games and has played superb basketball this season. When the Bulldogs play as a team and hang onto the ball they are a squad to be reckoned with.

If you think you've had it bad as a Mississippi State fan this season try being a Mizzou fan. Known as an annual Top 25 squad the Missouri Tigers have now been relegated to the bottom of the pile. Combine another Kansas Big 12 Title and the fact that the Big12 is one of the best power conferences in the country and you have a lot of upset Mizzou fans. Despite all the bad things that have happened to Missouri this season there have been some positives in the last couple of weeks. A huge win over Florida on the road and a home win over Auburn helped the Tigers make something out of a terrible season. The sophomore Jonathan Williams III has had a big impact on this young squad and is capable of having a big scoring night against any team. Missouri won't stay in the basement forever so the SEC better take advantage while they can.

This is the end of the regular season for the Bulldogs. There will be no NCAA Tournament, NIT or CIT. There is also no sure fire answer to where the future of this basketball program is headed. Will Rick Ray return as head basketball coach? Where do the Bulldogs belong in an improving SEC? How do you replace Roquez Johnson? There are a lot of question left on the table and none of them will be answered Saturday night. This was another disappointing season for Bulldog fans but the first step in getting better at basketball is being a good fan. Come to the game. Cheer on the four seniors. Be proud to be a Bulldog. #HailState

Prediction: Mississippi State 62-54

Dawg Facts: In SEC games decided by 6 or less points, the Bulldogs are 4-6.