MSU-Ole Miss Post-Game Wrap Up: Dawgs Gain Revenge On Rebels

 Instant Analysis: The Mississippi State Bulldogs were seeking revenge on the Ole Miss Rebels, after the Rebels upset the Bulldogs a few weeks back. The Bulldogs exacted that revenge, defeating the Rebels 70-60, in a game that was never in doubt. They were paced by Dee Bost, who had 15 points and a career-high 13 assists. Mississippi State improves to 19-5 and 6-3 in SEC play.

Key Stats

1. MSU +5 Rebound Margin: The Bulldogs lost the battle of the boards in the first game against the Rebels, but they won that battle last night. I think this is one of the main reasons the Bulldogs won.

2. MSU and Ole Miss 17 combined Turnovers: Both teams played very clean basketball tonight.

3. Ole Miss One Block: Ole Miss normally protects the paint better, but the Mississippi State big men went to work inside on them.

What I Liked

1. Inspired Play: I haven’t seen this team during the 2011-2012 season. The team I saw Thursday night could go far in the tournament.

2. Rotation: I like the way Stansbury rotated last night. The players looked fresh toward the end of the game.

3. Smith’s Aggression: I’ve always been a Shaun Smith fan and I have been chided for it. But, I like what I saw from him last night. He was aggressive and seems to be gaining confidence. I’m hoping that the Smith I saw as a junior in high school returns. That Shaun Smith could put the Bulldogs over the top.

What I Didn’t Like

 Nothing.

Players To Watch

 Ole Miss

Reginald Buckner: Buckner had a good game, with 15 points and nine rebounds. He only had one block though, which was critical toward the Ole Miss loss.

MSU

Renardo Sidney: Sidney had a terrific game, all-around, with 14 points and seven rebounds. It might have been his best game, effort-wise, in his career. I don’t know what gets into him versus Ole Miss, but he needs to take that approach to every game the rest of the season.

3 Keys To Victory

Ole Miss

Double Moultrie: They didn’t double Moultrie and got burned because of it.

Get Out And Run: Ole Miss didn’t really get a chance to run any type of system.

Take It To The Hole: The Rebels seemed like they were just trying to keep their head above water last night.

MSU

Feed The Beast: The Bulldogs fed Sidney, and he ate the Rebels big men for lunch.

Control The Pace: Bost did a great job of controlling the pace. He had a great feel for the moment.

Keep Hood Involved: Hood was very involved. He had ten points and six rebounds.

Final Analysis: The Bulldogs must now get ready to face the other Bulldogs in the SEC, Georgia. The game will tip at 12:30 p.m., this Saturday at Humphrey Coliseum. It will be shown on ESPN3.

Real Story Player-Of-The-Game

Dee Bost: I have been harshly critical of Bost all season, but he has finally started to become a true point guard. I think I will start calling him Dee Bost-Kidd. I’m very proud of the way Bost has taken control of the team, becoming a true leader, and I gladly give him the “Real Story player of the game award.

Special Kudos To Renardo Sidney and Arnett Moultrie.