MSU-Auburn Post-Game Wrap-Up: Is Stansbury Officially On The Hot Seat?

Instant Analysis

The Mississippi State Bulldogs were looking to halt a two-game skid Saturday night. They failed in that attempt, getting beat by the Auburn Tigers, 65-55. The Tigers were paced by Varez Ward, who scored 10 points and had nine assist. The Bulldogs fell to 19-8, and 6-6 in the SEC.

Key Stats

 1. MSU’s 35.2 FGP – The Bulldogs shot the ball poorly tonight, and it cost them the game.

2. MSU’s Eight Turnovers – The Bulldogs actually played clean basketball, but they just didn’t get the job done.

 What I Liked

 Nothing. Mississippi State lost to Auburn, a 12-9 team. What is there to like?

 What I Didn’t Like

 Not showing up. I honestly do not understand why Mississippi State players didn’t show more pride in this game. How do you lose to Georgia, LSU, and Auburn, right behind each other? There should be something in them that prevents them from losing to these teams—it doesn’t matter who is coaching the team.

 Players To Watch

Auburn

Kenny Gabriel – Gabriel had a strong game, with 15 points and nine rebounds. He made a couple of key shots, late.

MSU

Deville Smith – Smith finally got back in the mix, and was controlling the ball late for the Bulldogs.

3 Keys To Victory

Auburn

1. Swarm Moultrie – The Tigers were able to double Moultrie, but he was able to get his double-double again.

2. Speed It Up – The Tigers went up-tempo and the Bulldogs had trouble keeping the pace.

3. Don’t Turn the Ball Over – The Tigers only had 10 turnovers on the night.

MSU

1. Feed Sidney – Sidney sat out the game with back spasms.

2. Keep Pace Slow – They failed in this task.

3. Don’t Collapse -: I will try not to laugh, recapping this.

Final Analysis

The Bulldogs must now get ready for a statement game against the #1 Kentucky Wildcats. The game will be an 8 p.m. ESPN broadcast. This game could potentially determine whether or not Mississippi State makes the tournament. The administration may have some decisions to make if Mississippi State can’t pull the upset. The fan unrest is growing to a fever pitch, and people want changes.

Real Story Player Of The Game

Varez Ward – Ward came off the bench and led the Tigers to victory. He was a true floor-general tonight.

Jeremiah Short is a writer who covers Mississippi State football and basketball for The Real Story. Follow him on Twitter at @JeremiahShort26, e-mail him at JShort@realstorypublishing.com, or join his Facebook blog, Real Story Sports: J.Short’s Blog.