MSU RELEASE 2017 MSU Release Thread

[Chris Swanson]

Bulldogs Aim For Another Top 5 Finish On The Links

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Coming off a stellar performance in the UCF Challenge, the Mississippi State women’s golf team is set to continue its success in New Orleans at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate, beginning Sunday and concluding on Tuesday.


The Bulldogs tied for third place in Orlando to start the spring season with great momentum.


Senior Jessica Peng tabbed her first collegiate tournament victory by shooting an 11-under 205.


Last year at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate, Peng placed seventh. She plans to keep the spring momentum strong heading into the weekend.


“I am just going to go through all of my pre-shot checks, and stay confident in my shooting,” Peng said.


The 54-hole tournament begins with the first round on Sunday at 9 a.m. Monday's second round also begins at 9 a.m. with Tuesday's final round set to begin at 8 a.m. This long-standing, three-day event is in its seventh year being hosted by the Tulane Green Wave and held at English Turn. 17 teams will compete in the event, including SEC foes Florida and LSU.


Mississippi State is set to tee off at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Follow live at Golfstat.com and on social media @hailstateWG.

 

[Chris Swanson]

No. 6 Florida Downs No. 16 MSU At ITA Indoors

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Despite winning the doubles point to begin Saturday’s match against No. 6 Florida (7-2), the 16th-ranked Mississippi State men’s tennis team (4-3) couldn’t hold off the Gators as the Bulldogs fell, 4-1, to cap the second day of action at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships.


The Bulldogs will play a final match at the ITA indoors on Sunday at 8 a.m. CT against No. 7 Northwestern (10-2). The seventh-ranked Wildcats will be the third-consecutive top 10 foe the Bulldogs will face at the ITA Indoors. NU lost to No. 14 Oklahoma, 4-3, on Saturday to set up Sunday’s match with MSU.


“We started today off great in doubles play,” head coach Matt Roberts said. “We couldn’t recapture that momentum in singles play and Florida showed how deep they were from top to bottom. We have to take the positives from this one and move on to tomorrow. We’re going to be playing another tough opponent and with that comes another opportunity to get better.”


In doubles action, the Gators would strike first with a win at the No. 3 position as Elliot Orkin and Chase Perez-Blanco downed MSU’s newly formed team of Vaughn Hunter and Giovanni Oradini 6-3.


With their backs against wall, the Bulldogs responded on the top two courts as MSU pressed for the doubles point. First it would be Nuno Borges and Strahinja Rakic earning their sixth overall doubles win as the pair defeated Maxx Lipman and Josh Wardell, 6-2.


The odds were then even for the Bulldogs as No. 44 Niclas Braun and Trevor Foshey upset No. 7 Alfredo Perez and Johannes Ingildsen, 6-4, to capture the doubles point for the Bulldogs and the early 1-0 lead. The victory for Braun and Foshey was their third-career ranked win and second highest as a pair.


Up 1-0, MSU would get off to a slow start in singles as the Bulldogs dropped five of the first six sets. The first two matches MSU dropped would be to ranked opponents as freshman Simon Baudry and Braun couldn’t overcome their Gator counterparts. Baudry fell to No. 76 McClain Kessler, 6-2, 7-5, while Braun lost to No. 109 Johannes Ingildsen, 7-5, 6-3.


Trailing 2-1, the Bulldogs made a final push as three of the four remaining matches would go to a third set. Strahinja Rakic was one of those matches, as the sophomore forced a final set after dropping the opening frame, 0-6, before coming back in the second set, 6-3. Rakic couldn’t overcome UF’s Chase Perez-Blanco as the Gator claimed deciding set, 6-3.


In the No. 6 spot, Foshey put up a fight as he forced a tiebreaker, but ultimately fell in two tough sets to Jordan Belga, 7-5, 7-6, to clinch the Gators’ 4-1 win.


The match between No. 3 Borges and No. 9 Alfredo Perez was suspended after the clinch, with a 5-5 tie in the third set. Freshman Oradini’s match against No. 60 Elliot Orkin was also suspended, with the Bulldog holding a 5-2 advantage before the contest was called.


Up Next

MSU will face its third-consecutive top 10 opponent as the Bulldogs take on No. 7 Northwestern on Sunday at 8 a.m. CT, to close out action at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships in Charlottesville, Va.


About the ITA National Team Indoor Championships

The ITA National Team Indoor Championship dates back to 1973, with the most recent winner being the North Carolina Tar Heels who defeated the host Cavaliers 4-2 last season. Teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine a champion, while each team is guaranteed three matches at the event.


Live Stats

Live Stats for Sunday’s match can be found here.


Live Video

FloTennis will provide live streaming for all matches this weekend. FloTennis is a subscription-based service with monthly and annual rate options. To sign up and view the live stream, visit FloTennis.com.


Additional Notes

·The Bulldogs are now 3-0 all-time against Sunday’s opponent Northwestern

·The two teams have not faced off since 1978

·MSU will have faced the No. 2, No. 6 and No. 7 team after this weekend

·The Bulldogs have now won five doubles points this season

·No. 44 Niclas Braun and Trevor Foshey have defeated three ranked duos this year

·Freshman Giovanni Oradini is still perfect in dual-match singles (2-0)

·No. 3 Nuno Borges remains undefeated for his career at the No. 1 spot for MSU at 6-0



Social Media

For more information on the Mississippi State men’s tennis program, follow “HailStateMT” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


No. 6 Florida 4, No. 16 Mississippi State 1

ITA National Team Indoor Championships – Consolation Round

Charlottesville, Va. – Boar’s Head Sports Club – Feb. 18, 2017


Doubles


1. No. 44 Niclas Braun/Trevor Foshey (MSU) def. No. 7 Alfredo Perez/Johannes Ingildsen (UF) 6-4

2. Nuno Borges/Strahinja Rakic (MSU) def. Maxx Lipman/Josh Wardell (UF) 6-2

3. Elliot Orkin/Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) def. Vaughn Hunter/Giovanni Oradini (MSU) 6-3


Order of finish: 3, 2, 1


Singles


1. No. 3 Nuno Borges (MSU) vs. No. 9 Alfredo Perez (UF) 3-6, 6-3, 5-5, suspended

2. Chase Perez-Blanco (UF) def. Strahinja Rakic (MSU) 6-0, 3-6, 6-3

3. Giovanni Oradini (MSU) vs. No. 60 Elliot Orkin (UF) 7-6, 2-6, 5-2, suspended

4. No. 109 Johannes Ingildsen (UF) def. Niclas Braun (MSU) 7-5, 6-3

5. No. 76 McClain Kessler (UF) def. Simon Baudry (MSU) 6-2, 7-5

6. Jordan Belga (UF) def. Trevor Foshey (MSU) 7-5, 7-6(1)*


Order of finish: 5, 4, 2, 6

* - Match-clinching victory

 

[Chris Swanson]

Dogs’ Rally Falls Short Against No. 13 Florida

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State’s last shot to defeat a ranked opponent at home in the regular season ended in another heart-breaker.


No. 13 Florida scored the go-ahead basket in the final couple of minutes and held on for a 57-52 win against MSU before a crowd of 7,980 at Humphrey Coliseum Saturday.


The Bulldogs fought all the way back from a 12-point deficit to tie the contest at 52 on a dunk by Aric Holman with 2:24 left. Kevarrius Hayes then scored the go-ahead basket for Florida with 1:57 left. The Bulldogs missed their final four shots from the field.


Florida has now won eight-straight conference games and seven-straight games in this series. The Gators improved to 22-5 overall and 12-2 in league play, while the Bulldogs fell to 14-12 and 5-9.


Quinndary Weatherspoon was the lone Bulldog in double figures with 17 points. Lamar Peters and Holman added eight points apiece. Schnider Herard and Holman each had seven rebounds apiece.


“Our defensive intensity, especially to start the game, was really good,” MSU coach Ben Howland said. “We were stuck on 13 points for about six minutes. We had some opportunities to knock down some open shots. Our defense was good enough today. We did a great job, fighting to get back.”


Despite not shooting the ball well, the Bulldogs got off to a good start. A layup by Xavian Stapleton pushed the Bulldogs to a 13-7 lead less than eight minutes into the contest.


Florida scored seven straight points to battle back for a 14-13 lead. The lead switched hands a couple of times before the Gators surged ahead.


Florida used an 8-1 run to build a 32-22 lead with 1:05 left in the half. A basket by Holman as the half expired brought the Bulldogs within 32-24.


In the second half, the Bulldogs hit their first 3-pointer as Peters brought the Bulldogs within 34-31 with 18:17 left.


Florida used a 9-0 run to take the game’s largest lead at 12 points at 43-31 with 13:13 left.


The Bulldogs slowly crept back with a critical sequence involving Peters hitting a free throw, missing a second, I.J. Ready rebounding and Mario Kegler scoring. That possession brought the Bulldogs within 50-48 with 3:51 left.


Holman would later score back-to-back baskets to tie the contest.


For the contest, MSU hit 22 of 61 shots from the field (36.1 percent), 2 of 23 shots from 3-point range (8.7 percent) and 6 of 13 shots from the foul line (46.2 percent). Florida hit 20 of 52 shots from the field (38.5 percent), 5 of 18 shots from 3-point range (27.8 percent) and 12 of 19 shots from the foul line (63.2 percent).


Florida held a 42-38 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had eight assists and 12 turnovers, while the Gators had five assists and 16 turnovers.


Florida received 14 points from Chris Chiozza and 11 points from KeVaughn Allen.


MSU remains at home Tuesday night for a battle with in-state rival Ole Miss. The Bulldogs and Rebels tip at 8 p.m. on ESPN2 from the Humphrey Coliseum.

 

[Chris Swanson]

No. 24 MSU Women’s Tennis Hosts South Alabama and Alcorn State In Twinbill Sunday


STARKVILLE, Miss. – Continuing its four-match homestand, the 24th-ranked Mississippi State women’s tennis team (3-1) host the South Alabama Jaguars (8-1) and the Alcorn State Lady Braves (1-5) on Sunday in double-header action. The matches are slated for 11 a.m. CT and 3 p.m. CT, respectively, at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre.


The Bulldogs are coming off of a successful shutout last weekend, after MSU blanked UL-Lafeyette 7-0.


Freshmen Sara Lizariturry and Lisa Marie Rioux look to keep their early-season dual match singles records spotless on Sunday, with each sporting undefeated records (2-0 and 3-0, respectively).


The rookie Rioux teams up with senior Jasmine Lee to compose the nation’s eighth-ranked doubles tandem. The duo has posted a 3-1 dual match record and are 11-2 overall.


On the singles side, State’s No. 44 Lee leads the team at the No. 1 position with a 3-1 record. Juniors Madison Harrison and Jennifer Brown both posted their first dual match wins of the season last Saturday against Louisiana. Sophomore Anastasia Rentouli rounds out the Bulldog lineup with a 2-1 dual match mark.


Sunday’s match will kick off a three-match road trip for the South Alabama Jaguars. Since falling to No. 22 Texas A&M at the ITA Kick Off Weekend, the Jaguars have won seven straight, with four shutouts. USA is led by Alexandria Stiteler at the No. 1 position with a 6-1 dual match record.


For Alcorn State, this will be the Lady Braves fourth match in as many days. The Lady Braves picked up their first win on Friday defeating Northeastern Oklahoma State 4-3 to snap a five-match losing streak. Alcorn State will face Central Arkansas late Saturday before coming to Starkville.


Up Next

To round out its four-match homestand, MSU hosts Minnesota on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. CT.


Sunday Doubleheader Promotions

• Free poster and program
• S’mores will be available for fans while supplies last
• T-Shirt toss between doubles and singles (if doubles point is won)
• Tennis ball toss for a free TV

Admission

Admission to Sunday’s doubleheader, as with all matches at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Center, is free for fans.


Live Video/Stats

Live video and statistics are available for all MSU home women’s tennis matches at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre at www.hailstate.com/livewt.

FloTennis.com.


Additional Notes

• This is the 27th all time meeting between the Bulldogs and Jaguars
• MSU won the last meeting in 2009 in Mobile by a score of 4-3
• This is only the fifth meeting between the Bulldogs and Lady Braves
• MSU leads the series 4-0, all four wins have come by shutouts
• Freshman Sara Lizariturry looks to continue a five-match winning streak in singles
• Rookie Lisa Marie Rioux looks to continue a three-match winning streak in singles
• The duo of Sara Lizariturry and Anastasia Rentouli look to continue a six-match winning streak in doubles

Social Media

For more information on the Mississippi State women’s tennis program, follow “HailStateWT” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

[Chris Swanson]

DMR Caps Regular Season With Second School Record


South Bend, Ind. – With the indoor regular season in the books, Mississippi State squeezed in one more school record before postseason action begins in Nashville next week.



MSU gave the majority of the team the week off, sending just a women’s DMR squad and men’s 4x400 squad to Notre Dame for the Alex Wilson Invite.



For the second time this season, the women’s DMR team of Ffion Price, Alon Lewis, Charlotte Cayton-Smith and Rhianwedd Price set a school record, this time clocking in at 11:06.32, shaving four seconds off their previous best mark set in Boston earlier this month.



The men’s 4x400m relay group of Juston Waters, Philip Smith, Stephan James and Rasheed Tatham also had a great performance up north, running a time of 3:06.07 which is the second best mark in MSU history.



“This was a great way for us to close out the indoor regular season,” MSU coach Steve Dudley said. “This is exactly what we wanted these two groups to do, and we knew they were capable of putting forth this type of performance. We are excited about the opportunities that are ahead of us with SEC’s and beyond.”



For more information on the MSU track and field team, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching @HailStateTF. You can also find all access coverage on SnapChat by searching ‘HailStateSnap’.



SATURDAY RESULTS

WOMEN’S DMR : Indiana, 10:55.94

MSU : 8. Ffion Price, Alon Lewis, Charlotte Cayton-Smith, Rhianwedd Price, 11:06.32!$



MEN’S 4x400m Relay: Alabama, 3:04.73

MSU: 4. Juston Waters, Philip Smith, Stephan James, Rasheed Tatham, 3:06.07

 

[Chris Swanson]

Women’s Hoops To Host #HailStateHoops Luncheon Tuesday


STARKVILLE, Miss. – Before starting the final week of the regular season, Mississippi State women’s basketball will host February’s second Hail State Hoops Luncheon Tuesday.


The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. in Mize Pavilion, with doors opening at 11:15.


For $12, fans get a meal and hoops talk with head coach Vic Schaefer and his Bulldog coaching staff and players.


Fans who RSVP by phone (662.325.0198) or e-mail (dbrown@athletics.msstate.edu) will be entered for the chance to win a door prize.


The Bulldogs (26-1 overall 12-1 SEC) play at Texas A&M and Kentucky before wrapping the regular season Feb. 26 at home against Tennessee in a contest set for 4 p.m. on ESPN2.

 

[Chris Swanson]

Poole, Gordon Power Bulldogs Past Western Illinois


STARKVILLE, Miss. –Mississippi State gave new coach Andy Cannizaro his first career victory with an 8-2 college baseball victory against Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Dudy Noble Field.


The Bulldogs (1-1) plated five runs in the first inning and that would be more than enough for the pitching trio of Peyton Plumlee, Ryan Rigby and Trysten Barlow.


“Our guys came out and really set the tone early today,” Cannizaro said. “We were aggressive today and came out and put the five-spot up right away. We had some really good swings and patient at-bats. We had the timely hits that we couldn't get (Friday in a 5-2 loss to Texas Tech).”


In that first inning, the big blow was a two-run single by junior Tanner Poole. Brent Rooker also had an RBI-single. Sophomore Cole Gordon drew a bases-loaded walk in that at-bat. Sophomore Luke Alexander had the other hit in the first inning.


After Western Illinois (0-3) pulled within 5-2, MSU got those two runs back in the fourth inning.


Gordon hit the club's first home run of the season and sophomore Jake Mangum would later line an RBI-single up the middle.


The final score came in the sixth inning on an RBI-single by Hunter Stovall.


On the mound, Plumlee (1-0) threw six innings in his Bulldog debut, allowing four hits and two runs (one earned), with seven strikeouts and no walks.


“Peyton was really outstanding today,” Cannizaro said. “He really challenged hitters and set the tone for the game. The nerves go down when you see your offense have a big first inning like that.”


Rigby scattered three hits over two innings of work, while Barlow threw the ninth inning in his debut. The MSU bullpen has not allowed a run in 8.2 innings of work this season.


MSU finished with 10 hits, including Poole's first three-hit night in the Maroon and White. Mangum and Alexander each added two hits apiece.


Drue Galassi had two hits for Western Illinois.


MSU will close its opening weekend of play with a pair of games Sunday at Dudy Noble Field. MSU faces Western Illinois at noon and Texas Tech at 3 p.m. Sophomore Ryan Cyr is slated to take the mound against Texas Tech in the second game, while game one's starter is to be announced. Both games will be available on SEC Network +. “Kids’ Day at the Park” will take place on Sunday, featuring inflatables and kids running the bases postgame.


For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”

 

[Chris Swanson]

No. 16 Bulldogs Rally To Upset No. 7 Northwestern

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A late-match rally for the 16th-ranked Mississippi State men’s tennis team (5-3) propelled the Bulldogs to a 4-3 upset of No. 7 Northwestern (10-3) as MSU closed play at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships.


The Bulldogs trailed 3-1 before the late rally as MSU reeled off three-consecutive singles wins to clinch the 4-3 victory over No. 7 NU. MSU’s defeat of No. 7 NU was the tennis program’s highest ranked win since upsetting No. 6 Georgia in 2015.


“I’m so proud of this team and the way we fought today,” head coach Matt Roberts said. “We got down early, but we never lost our focus and showed mental toughness down the stretch. Northwestern is a top 10 team and we knew it was going to be a tough battle, but our guys showed tremendous effort and heart in the win. Everyday is another opportunity to get better and we took advantage of that opportunity today.”


Sunday’s match began with the Bulldogs and Wildcats trading doubles matches, as Mate Cutura and Giovanni Oradini fell, 6-1, before No. 44 Niclas Braun and Trevor Foshey earned their second ranked doubles win of the weekend after defeating No. 53 Konrad Zieba and Sam Shropshire, 6-4. NU claimed the doubles point following a Nuno Borges and Strahinja Rakic defeat as the pair fell in a hard-fought match, 7-5.


In singles action, Braun raced out to a quick finish against Ben Vandixhorn to earn a straight-set win. The sophomore blew past his Wildcat foe, 6-1, 6-3, to even the score at 1-1. NU bounced back to claim a victory against Cutura, 6-2, 6-4 as the Wildcats retook the lead at 2-1.


With the slight advantage, NU pushed the match to the doorstep of a win as the Wildcats claimed a victory against MSU’s freshman Oradini, 7-6(3), 6-4. Down 3-1, the Bulldogs mounted their comeback.


“We’ve stressed mental toughness to our guys all season,” Roberts said. “We needed the last three matches and Nuno, Trevor and Strale came through for us.”


Rakic earned his ninth singles win of the season after taking a second-set tiebreaker to cap his, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory and cut the Wildcat lead to 3-2. On court six, Foshey had an amazing comeback after dropping his opening set, with the sophomore earning a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, win to even the match at 3-3.


After Foshey’s win and the pressure squarely on the Wildcats, there was no doubt what Borges would do in his third set. The third-ranked sophomore capped the MSU’s comeback with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win over No. 25 Strong Kirchheimer, to give the Bulldogs the 4-3 win.


The win for Borges was his team-leading 17th singles win and ninth ranked victory of the season. Borges also improved his perfect record at the No. 1 spot to 7-0 for his career. Sunday, as luck would have it, was also Borges’ birthday with the sophomore clinching the Bulldog win.


Up Next

The Bulldogs will host Tulane (7-1) and NC State (6-4) for its home-opening weekend, with MSU facing the Green Wave on Friday at 3 p.m. CT, before taking on the Wolfpack Sunday at 11 a.m. CT to close out the weekend.


Additional Notes

·The Bulldogs are now 4-0 all-time against Northwestern

·Before Sunday’s matchup, the two teams had not met since 1978

·The Bulldogs faced the No. 2, No. 6 and No. 7 ranked teams at the ITA Indoors

·State earned its highest ranked win away from home since 2014’s upset of No. 4 Georgia, also at the ITA Indoors

·Head coach Matt Roberts earned his 25th ranked win at MSU on Sunday

·No. 44 Niclas Braun and Trevor Foshey have defeated four ranked duos this year

·No. 3 Nuno Borges remains undefeated for his career at the No. 1 spot for MSU at 7-0



Social Media

For more information on the Mississippi State men’s tennis program, follow “HailStateMT” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


No. 16 Mississippi State 4, No. 7 Northwestern 3

ITA National Team Indoor Championships – Consolation Round

Charlottesville, Va. – Boar’s Head Sports Club – Feb. 19, 2017


Doubles


1. No. 44 Niclas Braun/Trevor Foshey (MSU) def. No. 53 Konrad Zieba/ Sam Shropshire (NU) 6-4

2. Kirchheimer/Dominik Stary (NU) def. Mate Cutura/Giovanni Oradini (MSU) 6-1

3. Michael Lorenzini/Chris Ephron (NU) def. Nuno Borges/Strahinja Rakic (MSU) 7-5


Order of finish: 2, 1, 3


Singles


1. No. 3 Nuno Borges (MSU) def. No. 25 Strong Kirchheimer (NU) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3*

2. Konrad Zieba (NU) def. Mate Cutura (MSU) 6-2, 6-4

3. Strahinja Rakic (MSU) def. Sam Shropshire (NU) 6-4, 7-6(3)

4. Dominik Stary (NU) def. Giovanni Oradini (MSU) 7-6(3), 6-4

5. Niclas Braun (MSU) def. Ben Vandizhorn (NU) 6-1, 6-3

6. Trevor Foshey (MSU) def. Jason Seidman (NU) 4-6, 7-5, 6-4


Order of finish: 5, 2, 4, 3, 6, 1

* - Match-clinching victory

 

[Chris Swanson]

MSU Opens Spring Slate At Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Looking to build off one of the most successful fall campaigns in recent memory, the Mississippi State men’s golf team travels south for the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.


The two-day, 54-hole event begins Monday at the par-72 Magnolia Grove Crossings Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama. MSU is set to tee off at 8 a.m. CT.


“We are all looking forward to getting back into competition and picking up where we left off in October,” MSU coach Clay Homan said. “We did some good things in the fall, and I think the strength of this team is that we have several guys that we can plug into our lineup and you don't see a drop off in production.”


The 15-team field includes Abilene Christian, Alcorn State, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Georgia State, Illinois State, Kansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisville, Southern Miss, Texas State, West Virginia, Western Kentucky and host South Alabama.


MSU will take nine Bulldogs to Mobile. Taylor Grant, Garrett Johnson, Jackson Dick, Ross Bell and Peng Pichaikool will be featured on the Maroon and White scorecard. Austin Rose, Ben Follett-Smith, Jacob Ross and Taylor Bibbs will all compete in the USA Individual Tournament.


“The key for us is to have a true number one player emerge and give us those rounds in the 60's that all good teams have,” Homan said. “We will have the opportunity to play nine players in our first tournament, so that will give several guys a chance to showcase what they can do when it really matters.


For more information on the Bulldogs, follow @HailstateMG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news, Photo and everything Bulldog golf related.

 

[Chris Swanson]

Bulldogs Shoot 305 On First Day Of Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate

NEW ORLEANS, LA. – Rounding out the first day of the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate, the Mississippi State women’s golf team fired a 305 to end the day in 14th place.


No. 11-ranked Miami (Fla.) leads with a 287.


“Today we started out in a hole. We fought hard in the middle, only to drop several coming in at the end,” MSU coach Ginger Brow-Lemm said. “This is one of the toughest courses and deepest fields we play in all year, so to be within 12 shots of Top ranked Stanford, with our young team, shows we have a lot to build on.”


After a career event at the UCF Challenge, Jessica Peng paced the Bulldog squad once again in Sunday’s first round by notching a Top 40 finish on the day, shooting 3-over 75. Peng didn’t have the start she had planed for, bogeying her first hole. She proved resilient, though, by going on to fire even par on her final nine holes, highlighted with two birdies.


Ji Eun Baik and Katie Holt each shot 77, returning to the clubhouse tied for 59.


Freshman Athena Yang started off slow, finishing her front nine holes 3-over, but she began to heat up after she made the turn, shooing only 1-over for a 76.


Kendall Wisenbaker made her way into the lineup this week after a stellar performance at the UCF Challenge and recorded an 80.


The Bulldogs are back in action for the second round of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Monday at 9 a.m. CT.

Team Results- First Round

1 Miami 287 -1

2 Denver 290 +2

3 Texas 291 +3

T4 Florida 292 +4

T4 Houston 292 +4

T4 Oklahoma State 292 +4

7 Stanford 293 + 5

8 Clemson 295 +7

T9 UCF 296 +8

T9 Arizona 296 +8

T11 Oregon 298 +10

T11 Tulane 298 +10

13 Washington 301 +13

T14 Mississippi State 305 +17

T14 UTSA 305 +17

16 LSU 306 +18

17 Virginia 307 +19


MSU Players Results-First Round

T39 Jessica Peng 75

T44 Athena Yang 76

T59 Katie Holt 77

T59 Ji Eun Baik 77

T76 Kendall Wisenbaker 80

 

[Chris Swanson]

No. 3 Bulldogs Move Atop SEC With 72-67 Win At No. 23 Texas A&M


COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The No. 3 Mississippi State women’s basketball team worked the road magic again Sunday afternoon.


Down by seven late in the third quarter, the Bulldogs surged ahead in the fourth quarter to take a 72-67 win over Texas A&M in Southeastern Conference action at Reed Arena.


MSU needs one win in its final two games to clinch at least a share of the program’s first SEC regular-season title in program history. The Bulldogs are now guaranteed one of the top two spots in the SEC Tournament, which begins March 1 in Greenville, S.C.


MSU completed its first-ever season sweep of Texas A&M and also won the first time at College Station. The Bulldogs improved to 27-1 overall and 13-1 in league play, while the Aggies fell to 19-8 and 9-5.


The Bulldogs bettered that school record for conference wins in a season (13) and road wins in a season (12). The 27 overall wins is one shy of a school record. MSU moved into sole possession of the league standings, thanks to this victory and South Carolina’s road loss at Missouri.


“It was a heck of a basketball game,” MSU head coach Vic Schaefer said. “You hate that someone had to come out on the losing end. I’m very proud of my kids. It was a game of runs. There were a lot of runs. We just happened to get the last run. There was no bigger shot in Ketara’s career than the one she made in front of our bench.


“We have kids who embrace wanting to be in the moment. Teaira was phenomenal. She has been on a tear here of late.”


Victoria Vivians led the Bulldogs with 25 points, while Teaira McCowan added 16 points. McCowan also had 13 rebounds for her third double-double of the season and second in the past three games.


The teams were tied at 30 after a nip-and-tuck first half.


Things then appeared to be falling in order when the Maroon and White scored the first nine points of the third quarter. A layup by McCowan gave the Bulldogs a 39-30 lead with 7:43 left in the third quarter.


Another basket by McCowan pushed the lead to 46-38 with 3:56 left third quarter.


From there, Texas A&M took over. The Aggies used a 17-2 run to build a 55-48 lead. Vivians scored as time expired in the third quarter to bring the Bulldogs back within 55-50.


Texas A&M still held a 62-55 lead with 7:02 left in the contest. The Bulldogs started on the comeback trail and finally took the lead at 66-65 on a 3-pointer by Ketara Chapel with 2:18 left.


Texas A&M had one more lead before a jumper in the lane by McCowan gave the Bulldogs the lead for good at 68-67 with 1:17 left. After a defensive stop, another move to the basket in the lane from McCowan built the lead to three points. Two free throws by Vivians sealed the win.


For the contest, MSU hit 28 of 60 shots from the field (46.7 percent), 4 of 15 shots from 3-point range (26.7 percent) and 12 of 14 shots from the foul line (85.7 percent). Texas A&M hit 24 of 59 shots from the field (40.7 percent), 7 of 7 shots from 3-point range (100 percent) and 12 of 14 shots from the foul line (85.7 percent).


MSU held a 38-31 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 17 assists and 11 turnovers, while the Aggies had 11 assists and eight turnovers.


Texas A&M placed four players in double figures. Danni Williams had 23 points, followed by Curtyce Knox with 19 points, Khaalia Hillsman with 13 points and Taylor Cooper with 10 points.


MSU remains on the road for a Thursday contest with Kentucky. The Bulldogs and Wildcats will tip at 6 p.m. CT on either ESPN2 or ESPNU. The regular-season finale and Senior Day is set for Sunday when Tennessee comes to the Humphrey Coliseum. That 4 p.m. contest will be televised by ESPN2.

 

[Chris Swanson]

Comebacks Help State Complete Sunday Sweep


STARKVILLE, Miss. –Mississippi State baseball broke out the rally caps twice Sunday afternoon.


In the end, the offense kicked it in gear as the Bulldogs beat Western Illinois 10-9 in 11 innings and No. 14 Texas Tech 8-5 in a pair of college baseball games played before a crowd of 10,583 at Dudy Noble Field.


After dropping the weekend opener to Texas Tech, MSU responded with three straight wins before a school-record crowd of 31,764 for a season-opening series.


“It was an awesome day and night of baseball,” MSU head coach Andy Cannizaro said. “This team has shown a lot of fight. To be able to fight and show that resolve is great. We were down 4-0 (against Texas Tech) quickly, and we found a way to regroup.”


In Sunday’s opener, MSU (3-1) trailed Western Illinois 5-0 before rallying to tie with five runs in the sixth inning. The Maroon and White had to erase a 4-0 deficit to knock off the 2016 College World Series-participant Red Raiders in the second game.


GAME ONE: Mississippi State 10, Western Illinois 9 (11 innings)

A Brent Rooker RBI-single in the bottom of the 11th inning brought home the game-winner in Sunday’s first game.


Western Illinois (0-4) built a 5-0 lead with three runs in the fourth inning and two more scores in the sixth inning.


A one-out throwing error followed by a walk opened the door for the Bulldogs in the sixth inning. Junior Ryan Gridley singled to load the bases. Rooker brought home a run with a single, while Cody Brown drove in two with a base hit.


A two-run single by redshirt freshman Brant Blaylock tied the game at 5-5.


The Bulldogs did not stop there, taking the lead later when Hunter Stovall doubled and Gridley rapped an RBI-single.


A three-run eighth inning appeared to put the Bulldogs in good shape. Brown had an RBI-single, while Stovall drove in a pair with a hit.


The MSU bullpen then had an atypical finish with Western Illinois striking for four runs in the top half of the ninth inning.


The Bulldogs went down in order in the ninth and 10th innings before being able to win the first extra-inning game of the season on Rooker’s hit to the left field wall in the 11th inning. A walk and hit batsman proceeded the game-winner.


MSU collected 12 hits. Stovall had three hits, while Gridley, Rooker and Brown added two hits apiece.


“Hunter really had a great weekend and helped us get some things going,” Cannizaro said. “Our defensive effort was good. I was really encouraged with the way we kept battling.”


The Bulldogs threw seven pitchers. Freshman right-hander Graham Ashcraft threw four innings in his first career start. Ashcraft allowed four hits and three runs (all earned), with five strikeouts. Sophomore right-hander Spencer Price (1-0) got his first victory at MSU by recording the final out in the 10th inning and working the entire 11th inning.


GAME TWO: MSU 8, Texas Tech 5

In the second contest, the story of the day was the pitching of freshman right-hander Riley Self. In his second Bulldog appearance, Self (1-0) pitched the final five innings to garner the win. Self retired 10 straight before being touched for an eighth-inning home run.


In those five innings, Self allowed one hit and walked one while facing two batters past the minimum. Sophomore Ryan Cyr drew the start and worked four innings. Cyr allowed five hits and four runs (all earned), with a pair of strikeouts.


“Riley Self was incredible,” Cannizaro said. “What you saw from him today is indicative of what he will do during his career here. We are a good, young, athletic team. It’s good that we showed that after losing the first game (to Texas Tech on Friday).”


For the weekend, MSU pitching recorded 46 strikeouts.


Offensively, the Bulldogs erased a 4-0 deficit by scoring four times in the third inning. Texas Tech (3-1) scored four runs on four hits in the first inning.


Stovall started things with a leadoff double. Jake Mangum followed with a single. Luke Alexander brought a pair home with a double. A wild pitch scored another run before Tanner Poole laced an RBI-single to tie the contest.


The Bulldogs took the lead for good an inning later when Gridley had a sacrifice fly and Brown reached as hit batsman while the bases were loaded.


Blaylock hit his first career home run for the Bulldogs in the fifth inning. The Bulldogs then scored one more run in the eighth inning without a base hit.


In this contest, the Bulldogs collected eight hits, played errorless ball and stranded 10 base runners. Mangum had three hits, while Stovall had two hits.


MSU will face Morehead State (2-2) at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The game will be available on SEC Network + from Dudy Noble Field. For all home midweek games during the 2017 season, tickets and hot dogs will be $2 each.


For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”

 

[Chris Swanson]

MSU No. 3 In Associated Press Poll, Hosts #HailStateHoops Luncheon Tuesday


STARKVILLE, Miss. – A big week for Mississippi State women’s basketball begins Tuesday as the Bulldogs host their final Hail State Hoops Luncheon of the regular season.


Not only is it the final week of the regular season, but the week sees MSU having the opportunity to claim the single-season wins record and the program’s first SEC regular-season championship.


Mississippi State begins the week No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll after rallying for a pair of wins against Georgia and No. 23 Texas A&M this week.


MSU earned its 52nd-straight week in the poll, the seventh-longest active streak in the nation.


Fans can celebrate those wins and a tremendous season that has seen MSU record a program second-most 27 wins and go 13-1 in the SEC at Tuesday’s Hail State Hoops Luncheon.


The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. in Mize Pavilion, with doors opening at 11:15.


For $12, fans get a meal and hoops talk with head coach Vic Schaefer and his Bulldog coaching staff and players.


Fans who RSVP by phone (662.325.0198) or e-mail (dbrown@athletics.msstate.edu) will be entered for the chance to win a door prize.


MSU travels to Kentucky, who moved into the poll at No. 22, Thursday at 6 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast online on SEC Network +. The Dawgs wrap the regular season Sunday, taking on Tennessee at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.


Missouri also moved into the poll at No. 24 after upsetting South Carolina, who fell to seventh.


Associated Press Top 25 Poll – February 20, 2017

Rnk. Team Rcd. Pts. Pvs.

1 UConn (33) 26-0 825 1

2 Maryland 26-1 788 2

3 Mississippi State 27-1 755 3

4 Baylor 25-2 731 4

5 Notre Dame 25-3 682 7

6 Texas 21-5 608 8

7 South Carolina 22-4 602 6

8 Florida State 24-4 583 4

8 Stanford 24-4 583 10

10 Oregon State 25-3 528 11

11 Washington 25-4 494 9

12 Ohio State 23-5 469 12

13 Duke 24-4 467 13

14 Louisville 23-6 414 14

15 UCLA 20-7 350 18

16 Oklahoma 21-6 340 19

17 Miami (Fla.) 19-7 274 16

18 NC State 20-7 232 15

19 DePaul 22-6 208 17

20 Syracuse 18-9 162 21

21 Drake 22-4 123 25

22 Kentucky 19-8 110 NR

23 Temple 21-5 99 NR

24 Missouri 19-9 62 NR

25 Michigan 21-7 53 20


Others Receiving Votes: Kansas State 45, Texas A&M 45, Creighton 32, South Florida 27, Tennessee 9, Belmont 7, Green Bay 4, West Virginia 4, Arizona State 3, Colorado State 2, Tulane 2, LSU 1, Marquette 1, Wright State 1.

 

[Chris Swanson]

Dogs Seek Revenge When Rebels Visit The Hump

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Not only is Mississippi State looking to snap a season-long, four-game losing streak, it’s also looking to avenge a 27-point setback to Ole Miss in Oxford back in January.


This time around, the Bulldogs face their rival at Humphrey Coliseum.


Tip is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2, with Tom Hart and LaPhonso Ellis handling the broadcast. The game can also be heard on the MSU radio network with veterans Jim Ellis and Richard Williams on the call.


Mississippi State stands at 14-12 on the season, 5-9 in league play after losing to No. 13 Florida on Saturday, 57-52. Quinndary Weatherspoon led MSU with 17 points.


Ole Miss enters Tuesday’s showdown 16-11, 7-7, after its 98-80 loss at Arkansas.


THE SERIES

MSU lead the all-time series, the longest in the SEC, 142-113.


COACHES

Ben Howland is in his second year at MSU and 21st overall. As a head coach in four different stops, he is 429-235 with a 28-29 mark with the Bulldogs.


Andy Kennedy is in his 11th year at Ole Miss and owns a 228-137 ledger. In 12 years overall, he’s 249-150.


QUOTABLE

“If you think about our last three games, we are right there with our opponents and hopefully we can get over that hump Tuesday.” — MSU coach Ben Howland on his team’s close losses.


NEXT 2

At Vanderbilt on Feb. 25 and at South Carolina on Feb. 28.


BULLDOG BITES

l Ole Miss is one of three SEC teams Mississippi State has a winning record against, with South Carolina and Missouri being the other two.

l MSU’s 142 wins versus the Rebels are the most against any team in its 105-year history, along with the 43 road wins. This is also the SEC’s most-played series.

l Four of the last five games in this series have been decided by eight points or less.

l Back in January, Ole Miss claimed an 88-61 win, it’s largest margin of victory in this series.

l The Bulldogs’ losing streak to ranked teams increased to 17 in a row with Saturday’s 57-52 setback to No. 13 Florida.

l Mississippi State is 0-3 against ranked teams (also Kentucky and South Carolina) this year by just an average margin of 5.0 points.

l The 52 points were a season low and the two made 3-pointers tied for a season low (NW State).

l In the loss to Florida, senior guard I.J. Ready earned his first start since the SEC opener against Alabama. He finished with 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

l Quinndary Weatherspoon was the only MSU player to score in double-digits (17) against the Gators, marking the first time that’s happened this year for MSU.

l Freshman Lamar Peters has a team-high 53 made 3-pointers, the fifth-most by an MSU freshman in school history. He needs just 15 more to tie Barry Stewart’s mark of 68 set in 2007.

l Mississippi State has three players with 10-plus, 30-minute games this year — Quinndary Weatherspoon (17), I.J. Ready (12) and Mario Kegler (11).

l Aric Holman’s 54 blocked shots are the third-most in the SEC.

l I.J. Ready leads the SEC and is 24th nationally with his 2.8 assist/turnover ratio.

l Mario Kegler’s streak of nine-straight games with a made 3-pointer ended against Florida.

l Against Florida, MSU lost for the first time this year when a foe doesn’t score 65 points (8-1).

l MSU seeks its 15th win this season, the most since having 21 in 2012.

l KenPom.com has MSU as the least experienced team of all 351 DI programs at .68.


MARKETING & PROMOTIONS

l Bully’s Kidz Kourt, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

l Student Lounge opens at 5:30 p.m.


MSU SOCIAL MEDIA

l @HailStateMBK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

 

[Chris Swanson]

Diamond Dawgs Host Morehead State Tuesday


STARKVILLE, Miss. –Following a 3-1 start to the Andy Cannizaro Era, Mississippi State baseball welcomes Morehead State to Dudy Noble Field for its first midweek of the season, Tuesday at 4 p.m.


MSU is coming off a four-game Opening Weekend that saw State win both of its contests vs. Western Illinois and split with No. 11 Texas Tech. The Bulldogs closed the weekend with a Sunday doubleheader sweep thanks to a pair of comeback wins.


Tuesday’s meeting will be the third all-time meeting between the Bulldogs and Eagles, the first since the two sides met in Starkville in 2003.


For all midweek games this season, general admission tickets will be sold for $2. Hot dogs will also be available for $2 at concessions. Fans can also visit HailState.com/memories for incredible fan experiences.


Game Notes | Live Stats | Tickets


NEED TO KNOW

·13 Bulldogs made their MSU debut this past weekend, nine of which came on the mound (Graham Ashcraft, Trysten Barlow, Jacob Barton, Brant Blaylock, Harrison Bragg, Parker Ford, Trey Jolly, Denver McQuary, Peyton Plumlee, Tanner Poole, Spencer Price, Riley Self and Dustin Skelton)

·Over four games, MSU pitchers struck out a total of 46 batters

·MSU scored 28 runs on 25 RBI’s, nine extra base hits and stole eight bases on as many attempts while the pitchers combined for 46 strikeouts on 38 innings pitched

·Freshman Riley Self led with a team-high nine strikeouts in two relief appearances, including seven in the series finale victory against No. 14 Texas Tech on Sunday to record his first win

·2016 SEC Batting Champ Jake Mangum extended both his on-base and hitting streaks to 17 games, dating back to 2016

·MSU was a perfect 8-of-8 in stolen bases and their 8 steals are tied for the most in the SEC

·Sophomore Hunter Stovall hit .533 (8-15) over the weekend and leads State in batting average (.533), hits (8), total bases (10), slugging percentage (.677), on-base percentage (.588)

·Three crowds of 10,000-plus attended all three days, totaling to 31,764--the largest opening weekend crowd in Dudy Noble Field history (MSU now has 47 crowds of over 10,000 fans)

·MSU recorded two comeback victories over the weekend (both on Sunday) after having recorded 13 comeback wins in 2016 (The Bulldogs were down 5-0 into the sixth inning against Western Illinois, and 4-0 in the third inning vs. Texas Tech)

·Five Diamond Dawgs extended career highs for multi-hit games on Sunday: Jake Mangum and Brent Rooker (24 games), Ryan Gridley (21), Hunter Stovall (9) and Cody Brown (5)

·Five hitters extended career highs for multi-RBI games on Sunday: Brent Rooker (16 games), Stovall (5), Cody Brown (4, 1st career three-RBI game), Luke Alexander (2), Brant Blaylock (1)

·In his first career start on Feb. 18, Tanner Poole went 3 for 4 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored


WEATHER

Tuesday’s Forecast (Feb. 21) – High 66, Low 56 – 100% Chance of Rain


LIVE VIDEO & TELEVISION

Tuesday’s game will be streamed live on SEC Network + via the WatchESPN app and WatchESPN.com.


Watch Tuesday’s Game


LIVE AUDIO & RADIO

Opening Day will air live on the Mississippi State Baseball Radio Network. The other three games will air only on 96.1 FM in the Starkville area. All four games will also be audio streamed live online at HailState.com/Plus (requires subscription), as well as on TuneIn Radio.


TICKETS

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at HailState.com/tickets or at the MSU ticket office behind home plate, which opens two hours prior to first pitch of every game.


GAME MANAGEMENT POLICY CHANGES

Ice Chest / Cooler check at all DNF gates

In adherence to Southeastern Conference and MSU Game Management Policy, all ice chests and ice coolers, regardless of size, will be checked at all gates prior to entry into Dudy Noble Field-Polk Dement Stadium this season. Individuals with prohibited items will be denied entry. Stadium gates will open two hours prior to first pitch, with servicing of suites and outfield rigs permitted on game day until 30 minutes prior to the gate opening time. All individuals must exit the stadium 30 minutes prior to gate opening and may reenter at gate opening after their tickets have been scanned.


Rightfield deck no standing / Safety lane

To provide for the safe management of the newly created deck space in right field, a 4’ wide “No Standing / Safety Lane” has been marked on the right field deck. This visible, safe walkway will provide an unobstructed, free moving means for individuals and emergency personnel full access to travel along the right field deck length. At no time is it permissible to block, restrict or prevent individual movement or pedestrian traffic within and along the marked lane. Pedestrians are not permitted to stop or stand at any time within the marked lane.


FOLLOW THE DIAMOND DAWGS

For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”

 

[Chris Swanson]

Bulldogs End Allstate Sugarbowl Intercollegiate in Top 15

NEW ORLEANS, LA. – After inclement weather threatened Tuesday’s final round, the Mississippi State women’s golf team played 36-holes on Monday to finish the Allstate Sugarbowl Intercollegiate in 13th place, shooting a 904.


Top-ranked Stanford took the crown with an 863.


The Bulldogs ended their first 18-holes of the day with a 295, led by senior Jessica Peng with a 70.


In the final round, Peng notched a 77 to finish the event one shot outside the Top 25 with a 54-hole total of 222.


Katie Holt started the round off strong with a birdie on her first hole. She went on to finish the final round with a 228.


Freshman Athena Yang shook off a bogey on her opening hole and immediately answered with a birdie before going on to end the day with a 229.


Ji Eun Baik drained three birdies en route to finishing with a 231.


MSU is back in action again for the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate in South Carolina, March 3-5.



Team Results- First Round

1 Stanford 293 278 292 863 -1

2 Florida 292 286 296 874 +10

T3 Oklahoma State 292 291 292 875 +11

T3 Arizona 296 295 284 875 +11

5 Miami 287 296 294 877 +13

6 Clemson 295 289 304 888 +24

T7 Texas 291 294 304 889 +25

T7 Washington 301 298 290 889 +25

T9 UCF 296 295 300 891 +27

T9 Houston 292 300 299 891 +27

11 Oregon 298 298 300 896 +32

12 LSU 306 294 298 898 +34

13 Mississippi St. U. 305 295 304 904 +40

14 Denver 290 305 310 905 +41

15 Tulane 298 307 307 912 +48

16 Virginia 307 311 298 916 +52

17 UTSA 305 308 315 928 +64





MSU Players Results-First Round

T26 Chieh Jessica Peng 75+70+77=222 +6

T49 Katie Holt 77+75+76=228 +12

T52 Athena Yang 76+76+77=229 +13

T59 Ji Eun Baik 77+80+74=231 +15

T65 Kendall Wisenbaker 80+74+79=233 +17

 

[Chris Swanson]

Pichaikool Shines in Career Debut at Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate


MOBILE, Ala. – Peng Pichaikool started his collegiate career with a bang on Monday, firing an opening round 4-under-par 68 to lead the Mississippi State men’s golf team to a two-round total of 571 and sole possession of third place heading to Tuesday’s final round at the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.


Pichaikool followed his 68 with a 72 to finish his day with a 140. The Thailand native is tied for third two shots behind the leader, Georgia State’s Alexander Herrmann.


“I thought we got off to a good start with Peng posting a 68 in his first collegiate tournament of his career,” MSU coach Clay Homan said.


Senior Jackson Dick fired a 1-under-par 143 on the day to join Pichaikool as the only Bulldogs under par. Dick heads into Tuesday tied for 17th.


Freshman Garrett Johnson also landed in the top 20, shooting a 144 to tie for 20th.


Taylor Grant shot a 146 for the two rounds to tie for 35th place.


Rounding out the Bulldog scorecard, Ross Bell sits in a tie for 38thafter shooting an opening day 147.


“We just starting losing some shots in the middle of our second round that we just never got back,” Homan said. “Hopefully we can get the round in tomorrow and have a chance to make a run at the leaders.”


MSU trails leader and host South Alabama by six shots.


The Maroon and White had four participants in the USA Individual Tournament, which was held simultaneously with the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.


Taylor Bibbs is the clubhouse leader with 18 holes remaining. Bibbs shot 4-under-par 138 behind a career-low 65 in the second round.


Jacob Ross finished the day tied for third after shooting a 143 for the opening two rounds.


In just his second tournament of the season, Austin Rose carded a 149 to end the day tied for 16th.


Senior Ben Follett-Smith rounded out the Bulldog foursome by placing 21st behind an opening-day total of 153.


The Bulldogs tee it up for the final round on Tuesday at 8:00am.


For more information on the Bulldogs, follow @HailstateMG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news, Photo and Bulldog golf related.


Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate

1. South Alabama (278+287=565, -11)

2. Louisville (284+283=567, -9)

3. Mississippi State (281+290=571, -5)

4. Georgia State (289+283=572, -4)

5. Chattanooga (286+288=574, -2)

T6. Cincinnati (290+287=577, +1)

T6. Kansas State (287+290=577, +1)

8. Southern Miss (296+286=582, +6)

9. Texas State (294+289=583, +7)

10. Western Kentucky (287+298=585, +9)

11. West Virginia (292+295=587, +11)

12. Louisiana-Lafayette (294+296=590, +14)

13. Illinois State (297+302=599, +23)

14. Abilene Christian (303+298=601, +25)

15. Alcorn State (305+304=609, +33)


MSU Players

T3. Peng Pichaikool (68+72=140, -4)

T17. Jackson Dick (71+72=143, -1)

T20. Garrett Johnson (72+72=144, E)

T35. Taylor Grant (72+72=146, +2)

T38. Ross Bell (70+77=147, +3)


USA Individual Tournament

1.Taylor Bibbs (73+65=138, -4)

T3. Jacob Ross (73+70=143, +1)

T16. Austin Rose (74+75=149, +7)

21. Ben Follett-Smith (75+78=153, +11)

 

[Chris Swanson]

MSU Women’s Tennis Set To Host Minnesota Wednesday Afternoon


STARKVILLE, Miss. – To close out its current four-match homestand, the Mississippi State women’s tennis team (5-1) hosts the Minnesota Gophers (5-3) on Wednesday. The match is slated for a 2 p.m. CT start time at MSU’s A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre.


The Bulldogs are looking to extend a three-match win streak after blanking South Alabama 4-0 and downing Alcorn State 6-1 on Sunday.


Looking to keep their dual-match singles records spotless, true freshmen Lisa Marie Rioux and Sara Lizariturry both sport undefeated records (5-0 and 3-0, respectively) in their initial campaigns as Bulldogs.


The rookie Rioux teams up with senior Jasmine Lee to compose the nation’s eighth-ranked doubles tandem. The duo has posted a 5-1 dual match record at the No. 1 position and are 13-2 overall.


On the singles side, State’s All-American Lee, ranked No. 73 at present, leads the team at the No. 1 position with a 5-1 record. Sophomore Anastasia Rentouli posted her third dual match victory of the season on Sunday, while junior Madison Harrison notched her second one. Junior Jennifer Brown rounds out the lineup for the Bulldogs.


Wednesday’s match will kick off a three-match road trip for Minnesota. In its own doubleheader Sunday, Minnesota held of Memphis 4-3 before shutting out South Dakota 7-0. The Gophers are led by Caroline Ryba with a 3-2 record at the No. 1 position.


Up Next

MSU hits the road to take on Georgia State in Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. CT to close out 2017 non-conference play. State will host Auburn (March 3) and Alabama (March 5) to open this spring’s Southeastern Conference action.


Wednesday Promotions

· Free poster and program

· T-Shirt toss between doubles and singles (if doubles point is won)

· Tennis ball toss for a free TV


Admission

Admission to Wednesday’s match, as with all matches at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre, is free for fans.


Live Video/Stats

Live video and statistics are available for all MSU home women’s tennis matches at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre at www.hailstate.com/livewt.


Additional Notes

· This is only the fourth meeting between the Bulldogs and Gophers, MSU leads the series 2-1

· Freshman Sara Lizariturry looks to continue a six-match winning streak in singles

· Rookie Lisa Marie Rioux looks to continue a five-match winning streak in singles

· The duo of Sara Lizariturry and Anastasia Rentouli look to continue a six-match winning streak in doubles


Social Media

For more information on the Mississippi State women’s tennis program, follow “HailStateWT” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

[Chris Swanson]

No. 2! Women’s Hoops Climbs To Second In USA Today Coaches Poll


STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State women’s basketball is the No. 2 team in the nation!


The Bulldogs earned another program-record ranking Tuesday as State climbed into the second spot in the USA Today Coaches Top 25 Poll. MSU remained No. 3 in Monday’s Associated Press ranking.


Vic Schaefer’s squad rallied for tough wins against Georgia and Texas A&M last week to improve to 27-1 overall and 13-1 in SEC play. State took sole possession of first place in the league standings heading into the final week of the regular season.


State’s first victory in College Station clinched the Bulldogs a Top 2 seed in next week’s SEC Tournament in Greenville, S.C. The Bulldogs also moved up to No. 2 in the NCAA’s final Top 16 reveal on Monday.


The Bulldogs’ No. 2 ranking comes in its 52nd-straight week in the poll. MSU has been in the Top 5 for 12-consecutive weeks and the Top 10 for 16 in a row.


Mississippi State can clinch a share of its first SEC regular-season championship Thursday when it heads to Lexington to face a Kentucky squad that moved into the Associated Press poll at No. 22 on Monday. Tip for that contest, which will be streamed online on SEC Network +, is set for 6 p.m. CT.


The Bulldogs return home Sunday to close the regular season against Tennessee. That contest tips at 4 p.m. on ESPN2, and prior to the game Mississippi State will honor seniors Ketara Chapel, Dominique Dillingham, Chinwe Okorie and Breanna Richardson.


Sunday’s game will also feature a reunion of former Mississippi State women’s basketball players. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.hailstate.com/tickets.


USA Today Coaches Poll – February 21, 2017

Rnk. Team Pts. Rcd. Pvs.

1 UConn (32) 800 26-0 1

2 Mississippi State 760 27-1 3

3 Baylor 738 26-2 4

4 Notre Dame 692 25-3 6

5 Maryland 677 26-2 2

6 Stanford 574 24-4 10

7 South Carolina 559 22-4 5

8 Oregon State 553 25-3 11

9 Ohio State 532 24-5 12

10 Texas 507 21-6 8

11 Florida State 501 24-4 7

12 Washington 491 25-4 9

13 Duke 439 24-4 14

14 Louisville 435 23-6 13

15 UCLA 346 20-7 16

16 Oklahoma 321 21-6 19

17 Miami (Fla.) 255 19-7 17

18 DePaul 252 22-6 15

19 NC State 204 20-7 18

20 Temple 168 21-5 25

21 Syracuse 167 18-9 21

22 Drake 89 22-4 NR

23 Arizona State 74 17-10 23

24 Michigan 61 21-7 20

25 Creighton 50 20-6 NR


Others Receiving Votes: South Florida (20-6) 39; Texas A&M (19-8) 39; Kentucky (19-8) 26; Missouri (19-9) 14; Tennessee (17-10) 9; Virginia (18-9) 6; Indiana (18-9) 4; Marquette (20-7) 4; Kansas State (19-8) 3; Arkansas-Little Rock (19-7) 2; Jacksonville (21-7) 2; Tulane (16-11) 2; West Virginia (18-9) 2; Elon (21-6) 1; New Hampshire (23-4) 1; Northwestern (18-9) 1.

 

[Chris Swanson]

MSU, Pichaikool finish tied for third at Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate


MOBILE, Ala. – Picking up where it left off in the fall, the Mississippi State men’s golf team claimed it’s fourth Top 5 finish of the season by finishing tied for third at the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.


Spearheaded by freshman Peng Pichaikool in his Bulldog debut, MSU totaled a final round 291.


Pichaikool shot a 1-over-par 73 over the final 18 holes to finish tied for third.


Joining Pichaikool in the top 20 was Jackson Dick, who tied for 19th following a final-round 73.


Junior Taylor Grant fired a 71 on Tuesday to wrap the tournament in sole possession of 22nd. Garrett Johnson finished one spot behind Grant in 23rd after shooting a 74.


Rounding out the Maroon and White scorecard, Ross Bell carded a 74 for the final 18 holes to claim the 34th position.


Georgia State’s Alexander Herrmann won the individual title, while Louisville won the team side of the event.


The Maroon and White had four participants in the USA Individual Tournament, which was held simultaneously with the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.


Taylor Bibbs tied for first after shooting a final round 7-over-par 78. He carded a 73 and 65 in Monday’s opening two rounds to finish with a +3 216.


Junior Jacob Ross shot a final round 75 to finish the tournament in fifth place.


Tupelo, Miss., native, Austin Rose carded a final-round 78 to end his second tournament of the season in a tie for 16th.


Ben Follett-Smith rounded out the individual Bulldogs with a final-round 79 that put him in a tie for 22nd.


MSU returns to the links Feb. 27 to play in the Southwestern Jones Invitational at North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, Calif.


For more information on the Bulldogs, follow @HailstateMG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate

1. Louisville (284+283+289=856, -8)
2. South Alabama (278+287+294=859, -5)

T3. Mississippi State (281+290+291=862, -2)

T3. Chattanooga (286+288+288=862, -2)

5. Georgia State (289+283+292=864, E)

6. Cincinnati (290+287+288=865, +1)

7. Kansas State (287+290+293=870, +6)

T8. Texas State (294+289+297=880, +16)

T8. Southern Miss (296+286+298=880, +16)

10. Western Kentucky (287+298+301=886, +22)

11. Louisiana-Lafayette (294+296+297=887, +23)

12. Illinois State (297+302+291=890, +26)

13. West Virginia (292+295+310=897, +33

14. Alcorn State (305+304+306=915, +51)

15. Abilene Christian (303+298+320=921, +57)


MSU Players

T3. Peng Pichaikool (68+72+73=213, -3)

T19. Jackson Dick (71+72+73=216, E)

22. Taylor Grant (72+74+71=217, +1)

T23. Garrett Johnson (72+72+74=218, +2)

T34. Ross Bell (70+77+74=221, +5)


USA Individual Tournament

T1. Taylor Bibbs (73+65+78=216, +3)

5. Jacob Ross (73+70+75=218, +5)

T16. Austin Rose (74+75+78=227, +14)

T22. Ben Follett-Smith (75+78+79=232, +19)

 

[Chris Swanson]

MSU’s Yang To Be Featured On Golf Channel

STARKVILLE, Miss. — In 2016 Mississippi State women’s golfer Athena Yang was selected to receive the ANNIKA Foundation ACE Grant from the American Junior Golf Association.


The grant is awarded in an effort to continue combating the cost of playing a national junior golf schedule for players without the financial resources. The AJGA entered its 14th year of implementing the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program in 2016.


The grant also exposes players to collegiate coaches. It was able to connect Yang to MSU coach Ginger Brown-Lemm, ultimately landing her at Mississippi State.


The Golf Channel has recently been doing a series on former recipients of the award and caught up with Yang in Orlando during the UCF Challenge.


The interview will air Wednesday, February 22, at the following times: 1 a.m., 4 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m., all times CST.


Yang is a freshman at MSU and has been an immediate contributor, competing in all tournaments. She fired a season low 218 at the UCF Challenge this season.

 

[Vernon]

Vivians, William, McCowan, Dillingham Earn SEC Honors


STARKVILLE, Miss. – Four Mississippi State women’s basketball players earned Southeastern Conference honors following a stellar season that saw the Bulldogs earn a second-place league finish.



Victoria Vivians was named First Team All-SEC for the second-straight year, while teammate Morgan William earned her first selection with a nod to the second team. Teaira McCowan claimed 6th Woman of the Year accolades, and Dominique Dillingham was tabbed to the All-Defensive Team.



The quartet led Vic Schaefer’s team to a 27-3 overall record and 13-3 SEC mark. Sixth-ranked MSU finished second in the SEC, matching last season’s squad for the highest league finish in program annals.



Vivians and William were named two of the three finalists for the Gillom Trophy, which is presented to Mississippi’s top women’s college basketball player, on Sunday.



Vivians finished the regular season fifth in the SEC for scoring with a 17.2 average for the year. She also shined in SEC contests, knocking down 18.1 ppg. The Carthage, Miss., native ended the regular season averaging 23.3 ppg in her final three games.



She scored double figures in 24-straight games and 28 of the team’s 30 contests this season. She also notched 10 games with 20-plus points, including 25 and 27 against Texas A&M and Kentucky, respectively.



Vivians, who passed 1,600-career points this season, shined against ranked foes, tallying 20.8 ppg on the year.



She also stepped up on the defensive end in SEC contests, tying for ninth in the league with 1.7 steals per contest.



William has enjoyed the best offensive season of her career, averaging 10.1 ppg on 46.2 percent shooting from the field. She has scored at a 9.5 clip in SEC games, hitting 41.7 percent from the field.



The Birmingham, Ala., native closed the regular season scoring double figures in three of her last four games, including 20 points at No. 22 Kentucky. William averaged 12.8 ppg against ranked foes, including a 23-point showing in State’s Nov. 20 home win against then-No. 8 Texas.



William has been stellar on defense, drawing a team-high 21 charges on the year. She has also averaged an SEC 10th-most 1.7 steals per game.



She has also distributed to her teammates, ranking second in the SEC in assists in league games (5.4 apg) and topping the conference in assist/turnover ratio with a 2.9 tally. Her 4.6 assists average for the year is third in the league, while her 2.2 cumulative assist/turnover ratio is fourth.



The junior William is also sixth in the league at the free-throw line, making 82.6 percent.



McCowan’s 6th Woman of the Year title comes a year after she earned all-freshman team laurels. The Brenham, Texas, was stellar for MSU, coming off the bench in all 30 games to average 7.9 points and a team-best 6.5 rebounds per game. She also topped the squad and ranked ninth in the SEC with 1.3 blocks per game.



In SEC contests, McCowan scored 9.3 ppg while grabbing 7.2 rpg. She also swatted 1.4 shots per contest in conference play, the fourth-best average in the league.



The sophomore center ended the regular season with three double-doubles, two coming in the last five games. During that stretch she averaged a double-double with 10.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. McCowan notched 11 double-digit scoring games, nine in SEC contests, and five games with 10-plus rebounds.



McCowan grabbed a career-best 18 boards to go with 17 points in State’s win at Ole Miss. Earlier in SEC play she tallied a personal-best 25 points against Florida, knocking down 12 of 13 shots for a school-record 92.3 field goal percentage that topped the SEC for the year.



Dillingham became a fan favorite for her hard-nosed play on the defensive end of the floor. Constantly tasked with defending the opponent’s top perimeter player, Dillingham drew 19 charges to raise her career tally to 127.



The Spring, Texas, native registered 22 steals in a senior season that saw her miss six games with injury. In league contests, she registered 11 swipes while blocking a team second-most 12 shots.



Dillingham also stepped up on the offensive end of the floor, averaging 7.0 ppg while having the best shooting season of her career from the field, 3-point range and the free-throw line.



In SEC play, Dillingham scored at a 6.8 clip, including a career-best 24 points in State’s win against Missouri.



The foursome leads Mississippi State to Greenville, S.C., this week for the SEC Tournament. The second-seeded Bulldogs face the winner of Thursday’s game between seven-seed LSU and 10-seed Ole Miss in Friday’s quarterfinals. Tip for MSU’s tournament opener is set for 5 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.

 

[Vernon]

Shorthanded Dogs Drop A Heartbreaker At USC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Life on the road in the Southeastern Conference dealt the Mississippi State another tough loss Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs, playing without the injured Quinndary Weatherspoon, held a lead 52-50 late but could not close the deal as South Carolina rallied to a 63-57 victory at Colonial Life Arena.

With the win, USC improved to 22-8 overall and 12-5 in league play. MSU fell to 14-15 and 5-12. The Bulldogs have now lost seven straight games. The win also allowed South Carolina to complete a two-game season sweep.

Mario Kegler led the Bulldogs with 12 points, while Tyson Carter added 11 points. Aric Holman had a team-high six rebounds, while Lamar Peters had four assists.

The Bulldogs struggled early offensively as the Gamecocks inched out to a 10-5 lead. A 3-pointer by Peters got things going and the Bulldogs built a 15-12 lead with 10:35 left in the half on two free throws by Kegler.

The lead switched hands a couple of times. A 3-pointer by Kegler put the Maroon and White on top 20-19. A tip-in by Eli Wright gave the Bulldogs a 29-26 lead.

South Carolina scored the final six points of the half for a 32-29 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Gamecocks ran the lead to 10 at 43-33 with 14:10 left. A pair of 3-pointers by Tyson Carter helped get the Bulldogs back on the comeback trail.

Carter rammed home a trey to give the Bulldogs a 52-50 lead with 4:33 left.

South Carolina would score the game’s next seven points to take control.

For the contest, MSU hit 20 of 55 shots from the field (36.4 percent), 7 of 26 shots from 3-point range (26.9 percent) and 10 of 12 shots from the foul line (83.3 percent). South Carolina hit 17 of 50 shots from the field (34.0 percent), 4 of 19 shots from 3-point range (21.1 percent) and 25 of 34 shots from the foul line (73.5 percent).

South Carolina held a 39-31 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 10 assists and 20 turnovers, while the Gamecocks had nine assists and 16 turnovers.

Sindarius Thornwell led South Carolina with 22 points. Chris Silva added 15 points. Silva also completed a double-double as he had a team-high 11 rebounds.

MSU returns home for Senor Day against LSU. The Bulldogs and Tigers meet at 5 p.m. at Humphrey Coliseum in a game televised on the SEC Network. Senor I.J. Ready will be honored in pregame ceremonies.

 

[Vernon]

Bulldogs Even Series With Comeback Victory At Oregon


EUGENE, Ore. –After dropping a tough 1-0 decision in the series opener on Friday, the Mississippi State baseball team bounced back to end up on the opposite side of another one-run game at Oregon, winning 5-4 on Saturday evening at PK Park in comeback fashion.


Harrison Bragg came off the bench and collected three hits and scored twice. Jake Mangum extended his hitting streak to 24 games with a single in the third inning. Ryan Gridley also has hit safely in seven-straight contests after going 1-for-3 with a double. Brent Rooker went 2-for-3 with a double. Josh Lovelady had one of his best games of the year, earning a pair of hits and driving in two runs.


“This was a gigantic team victory today,” head coach Andy Cannizaro said. “We had so many guys that played instrumental roles in this big win. I am so proud of our guys. The conditions were not great, but they just kept battling. We picked up tremendous clutch base hits by Josh Lovelady and Harrison Bragg.”


Oregon (5-4) struck first in the second with a pair of runs when Michael Dyer reached on a one-out double and reached third on a wild pitch. Dyer was driven in on a double by Tim Susnara, who found home on a single by Daniel Patzlaff.


The Bulldogs (7-4) fought back in the third with a one-out double by Luke Alexander that allowed Mangum to score all the way from first base.


The Ducks took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third on a two-out single to right field by Dyer that scored A.J. Balta.


MSU tied it up in the sixth with a pair of runs. Josh Lovelady hit a two-out, two-run single up the middle to drive in Bragg and Elijah MacNamee.


The Bulldogs tacked on two more runs in the eighth to take a 5-3 lead. Cole Gordon hit a one-out single through the right side to drive in Bragg. Gridley then drew a bases-loaded walk that allowed Lovelady to score.


Oregon would not go down without some drama in the ninth. Morgan McCullough forced a leadoff walk and stole second. Jake Bennett then laced a one-out single to left field to drive in McCullough. That run rounded out the scoring for the Ducks, as they were unable to cash in a two-on, two-out situation.


Riley Self (2-0) earned his second win of the year in relief. The freshmen went 2.2 innings and allowed one run on just one hit. He struck out three batters and walked three. Spencer Price came in to get the final out of the game and earned his second save of the year in as many opportunities.


Connor Zwetch (0-1) took the loss for Oregon. He allowed two runs on four hits and struck out one batter in 0.2 innings of work.


The series between the Ducks and Bulldogs will conclude with a Sunday rubber match at PK Park. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. CT and fans can watch it live through Pac-12.com.


For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”

 

[Vernon]

MSU Drops Midweek Contest To No. 24 Louisiana Tech

STARKVILLE, Miss. –A strong pitching start by junior right-hander Jacob Billingsley was not enough for the Mississippi State baseball team Tuesday night at Dudy Noble Field.

Leading by two runs in the eighth inning, the Bulldogs bullpen was touched for three runs to drop a 3-2 decision to No. 24 Louisiana Tech.

The Bulldogs (7-6) have now been involved in one-run games in each of their last five contests.

“We have to find a way to win these kinds of games,” head coach Andy Cannizaro said. “This sometimes happens when you have a young team. We were certainly in a position to win this game and we have to find a way to get that done.”

Billingsley matched a career high with five innings pitched. He allowed four hits and no runs, with a career-high seven strikeouts. From there, the Bulldogs pieced it together with six pitchers taking the mound.

Louisiana Tech (12-1) rallied with a two-out, two-run double by Sean Ullrich in the eighth inning. In the ninth inning, Tech scored the go-ahead run on a potential inning-ending dropped third strike. An errant throw hit the runner on that play, scoring the go-ahead run.

Ryan Rigby (0-1) was the next-to-last pitcher thrown and took the loss. Spencer Price got the final two outs for the Bulldogs.

“Our starting pitching has gotten better,” Cannizaro said. “We have to find some answers on the back end. We really navigated the game well for the first seven innings against a very good offensive team. What I do know is this team will come out Wednesday and have a great practice. We will get better at the fundamentals of the game and look forward to playing again Friday.”

Brant Blaylock homered for the Bulldogs in the third inning. Cody Brown did the same in the fifth inning. The Diamond Dawgs only had four hits as a team and stranded no base runners.

Louisiana Tech finished with nine hits and stranded 12 base runners. Raphael Gladu and Jonathan Washam had multiple hits, to go along with Ullrich. Starting pitcher Casey Sutton threw seven innings for Tech. Austin Harrison (1-0) pitched the eighth inning to get the win, while Nate Harris earned his sixth save. Tech pitching retired the final 14 Bulldogs in the contest.

State will reset before opening another four-game weekend over three days at Dudy Noble, starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT vs. South Alabama.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE (All times Central)



Friday, March 10, 2017

G1 – 2 p.m. – South Alabama vs. Columbia (originally scheduled for 3 p.m.)

G2 – 6:30 p.m. – South Alabama vs. Mississippi State



Saturday, March 11, 2017

G3 - 1 p.m. – Columbia vs. Mississippi State

G4 – 40 Minutes After G3 – South Alabama vs. Mississippi State



Sunday, March 12, 2017

G5 - 11 a.m. – Columbia vs. South Alabama

G6 - 2 p.m. – Columbia vs. Mississippi State


* Home Team Listed Second


For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them onFacebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”

 

[Vernon]

Ellis, Weatherspoon and Ready Noted At Awards Banquet

STARKVILLE, Miss. – After posting one of its best seasons in five years and advancing to the second round of the SEC Tournament, Mississippi State officially closed out its 2016-17 campaign on Saturday with the annual awards banquet at the Mize Pavilion.


Sophomore All-SEC standout Quinndary Weatherspoon, one of the top scorers in the league, was named the Most Valuable Player, while senior I.J. Ready received the Inspirational and Top Defensive player awards.


“Q had to overcome a lot, especially with injuries,” MSU coach Ben Howland said. “He wanted to play so bad and did everything he could to come back. I couldn’t be more proud of I.J. He was our leader on and off the court and to see what he did for four years is inspirational. He leaves here in the Top 10 of steals and assists, and I know he has a bright future in front of him in coaching, something he really wants to do.”


Also honored Saturday were Aric Holman and Tyson Carter, who received the Most Improved and Coaches Awards, respectively. In addition, Xavian Stapleton was given the Toughness Award after overcoming two knee surgeries that cost him 20 months of basketball.


Rounding out the recognition were Lamar Peters and Mario Kegler, who were named Outstanding Freshmen.


In statistical categories, Ready took home the free throw shooting and assists awards, while Holman was tops in rebounds. Eli Wright had the highest 3-pointer percentage, with Schnider Herard was tops in field-goal percentage.


Howland also recognized the achievements of Jim Ellis, who’s been behind the mic for MSU basketball the past 34 years, the last six as the “Voice of the Bulldogs.” He was presented with a framed No. 34 jersey for his service. Earlier this month, Ellis announced he was retiring from basketball and football.