Bulldogs Back At Home For First In Three Weeks To Face ASU

Article posted by Mississippi Gazette  Photo by hailstate.com
STARKVILLE - After a four-game road swing that concluded this past weekend at Oregon State, Mississippi State will return home to the Humphrey Coliseum for the first time in more than three weeks to host Arkansas State on Wednesday.
The SEC Network will broadcast the 6 p.m. outing, with Matt Stewart and Dane Bradshaw handling the call.
“It will definitely be good playing in front of our fans again,” MSU coach Rick Ray said.  “I know our players are looking forward to being back on their home court.”
The Bulldogs suffered a tough setback on the West Coast Saturday, dropping a 59-49 decision to the Beavers. Fred Thomas had one of his better games of the year with  16 points and career-best 9 rebounds. The game also saw Craig Sword’s return to the starting lineup for the first time this season following back surgery. He responded with 8 points.
“I’m just trying to get better with each game,” he said. “I’ve just got to get my conditioning back.”
Wednesday’s bout will mark the 12^th time Arkansas State and Mississippi State have played. The Bulldogs hold a 9-2 advantage in the series and have never lost to the Red Wolves in Starkville.
Mississippi State (5-3) is looking to get back into the win column after dropping its last three games. Thomas MSU in scoring with 13.0 points, while Gavin Ware (12.5 ppg) and Roquez Johnson (11 ppg) also highlight the Bulldog offense.
The Red Wolves (2-4) are under the direction of coach John Brady, a former MSU assistant from 1983-90. Sophomore forward Anthony Livingston leads the team in scoring and rebounding with 17.3 points and 6.5 boards.
Following Wednesday’s showdown, the Bulldogs are back in action Saturday against South Carolina Upstate in Jackson, Miss. Tip at Mississippi Coliseum is set for 3 p.m.