Mississippi State needed something good to happen, with the Bulldogs coming into Saturday’s game against Iowa State in the midst of a three game losing streak. Ben Howland’s squad got exactly what it needed, pummeling a hapless Cyclone team by a final score of 95-56.
Challenge Accepted 😤
DAWGS WIN‼️#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/AHwHxtjyyn
— Mississippi State Men's Basketball (@HailStateMBK) January 31, 2021
State played its entire roster, with 12 Bulldogs finding their way on to the score sheet. Iverson Molinar led all scorers with 20 points, DJ Stewart added 17, Tolu Smith had 16, and Deivon Smith got 10 to go with 9 assists. State shot 51% for the game, outrebounded the Cyclones 41-34, and forced 21 turnovers which led to 34 points.
D.J. to Iverson and-one‼️
Watch the 2nd half now on ESPN2#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/ulty5YAjeA
— Mississippi State Men's Basketball (@HailStateMBK) January 31, 2021
State’s dominance was capped off with the appearance of Issac Stansbury, the son of former coach Rick Stansbury, who had not played since State’s 87-48 win over Mississippi Valley State in December, with this game matching that for MSU’s largest margin of victory on the season. In all, 15 players got game time against the Cyclones.
State improves to 10-8 on the season, claiming their first ever win in the SEC-Big XII Challenge. The Bulldogs will be back in action Tuesday night in Fayetteville, taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Photo courtesy of Mississippi State athletics
