SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament: Bulldogs vs. Volunteers Preview

Mississippi State finished arguably one of their best performances of the season against Texas A&M. The outcome of the game was never in doubt and it started on the first possession. Lamar Peters drained a 3-pointer on that possession and that was the last chance the Aggies had to get a lead. MSU shot 53.4 percent from the floor and 11-for-25 (44.0%) on its way to a 80-54 victory to advance to the next round of the Tournament where Tennessee awaits the Bulldogs.

MSU lost to Tennessee 71-54 a little over a week ago, but since then, Tennessee lost to Auburn, and Mississippi State has made 27 3-pointers in the past two games. UT has struggled on the road this season, and this is the perfect opportunity for the Bulldogs to knock off the Volunteers.

The Mississippi State starting five scored 57 points together and Aric Holman and Robert Woodard both brought nine off the bench. This was one of the best games, from start to finish, by the Bulldogs all season, and everyone contributed. Quinndary Weatherspoon finished with 12 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and three steals and was the leader on the floor. MSU attacked the paint and forced the defense to guard the inside; this led to open shots on the outside for Peters and Tyson Carter.

If Mississippi State can continue this momentum into their next matchup with Tennessee, then they have a great chance to make it to the semi-finals. If the Bulldogs were to make it to the next round, they will face the winner of Kentucky and Alabama. The Bulldogs can keep the hot shooting going and make a deep run into the Tournament. Go Dawgs and Hail State!