SEC semi-final action in Tampa saw Mississippi State defeat regular season champion LSU 67-57 to advance to tommorow’s final against the winner of this afternoon’s Tennessee-Auburn matchup.
State jumped out to an early lead over a Tiger team that appeared a half-step slower throughout much of the day. After taking a two point halftime lead, the Bullies made a key defensive change midway through the 2nd half, when Jarvis “Swat” Varnardo and Phil Turner switched defensive responsibilities on forward Tasmin Mitchell. Mitchell went for 41 points in LSU’s mid-season double overtime victory over the Dogs. Swat absolutely smothered Mitchell who managed 15 points on the day.
POY Marcus Thornton was held to 14 points, 0-6 from the 3 point line. State was led by Varnardo’s 19 point, 7 block, 7 rebound effort, and Barry Stewart’s 17 points, including 10 of 12 from the line. The State bench contributed 13 points, 7 from super-sub Kodi Augustus, whose late season heroics have provided the x-factor sparkle that has changed State from a good team to an excellent one.
The victory was MSU’s fifth straight. No doubt, the Bulldogs are playing their best ball of the year.
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Filed under: Louisiana, Mississippi, The South | Tagged: barry stewart, espn, jarvis varnardo, kodi augustus, Louisiana, lsu basketball, marcus thornton, Mississippi, Mississippi State Basketball, sec basketball, swat, tasmin mitchell, The South | 4 Comments »
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