STARKVILLE, Miss. ‑ An explosive game from All-America candidate Jarvis Varnado led the Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-2) to a 76-67 victory against the visiting Alabama State Hornets (1-5) Saturday afternoon at Humphrey Coliseum.
Varnado recorded several career highs in the game, including 22 points on a career-most 10 made field goals in just 13 attempts. Leading the SEC in rebounding and the nation in blocks, Varnado notched nine boards and eight swats. He now stands as the SEC’s sixth most prolific blocker in league history.
“Jarvis gave us some leadership by example with his toughness and energy today,” MSU coach Rick Stansbury said.
Following just behind Varnado was outstanding sophomore shooting guard Ravern Johnson, who also set a new career mark in points scored with 21 on a career-best seven field goals made. Johnson also drained 3-of-4 three-pointers and grabbed five rebounds. Rounding out State scorers in double digits was freshman point guard Dee Bost with 10, who also had five assists. Junior Barry Stewart had five assists as well.
Senior guard Andrew Hayles led the Hornets with 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting while senior forward Chief Kickingstallionsims totaled six blocks and 12 points.
The Bulldogs registered their largest lead of the game midway through the first half, leading 24-12. The Hornets came storming back, however, and tied the score with a jumper from senior Brandon Brooks with just 3:05 remaining in the half. State nursed a 38-37 advantage at the break.
After ASU’s Hayles drained a three-pointer to regain the lead out of halftime, the Bulldogs responded with six-straight points on a Barry Stewart alley-oop to Ravern Johnson. MSU held a small lead throughout the second half but saw Alabama State hit back-to-back three-pointers to close the gap to 60-57 at the 6:22 mark. Mississippi State’s Johnson quickly brought down a trey to end the ASU run and sparked a 9-2 streak for MSU to secure the victory.
Currently ranked second in the league in three-point percentage, State shot 5 of 10 from long range and also an even 50 percent from the field, while out-rebounding the Hornets 37-29. State now moves to 16-2 against the SWAC all-time and 118-36 (.766) against non-conference opponents under Stansbury.
Having now won nine-straight contests at Humphrey Coliseum, the Bulldogs look to make it 10 when Charlotte visits at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Courtesy: mstateathletics.com
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