Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Fred Thomas scored a game-high 21 points as
the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 70-59,
in the first round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.
Colin Borchert was two rebounds shy of a double-double with 11 points for the
Bulldogs (10-21). Roquez Johnson added 11 points and seven boards. Gavin Ware
chipped in 10 point and seven rebounds. Mississippi State will go on to face
the Tennessee Volunteers in the next round.
For the Gamecocks (14-18), Bruce Ellington put up a team-high 13 points.
Laimonas Chatkevicius recorded 11 points and six rebounds.
In the first half, South Carolina was held to 9-of-28 field goal attempts
including a mere 2-of-13 from long-range. Mississippi State knocked down 11-
of-24 from the floor including 5-of-8 beyond the arc, en route to the 32-21
advantage at the break.
In the second half, South Carolina was held to 4-of-17 beyond the arc.
Mississippi State made 2-of-7 from long-range as it took the 11-point victory
South Carolina was held to a mere 6-of-30 from long-range. Mississippi State
controlled points in the paint, 30-24, and points off turnovers, 17-11.
The Sports Network