Top 30 Games in Mississippi State Basketball History
#9: 1991 – Mississippi State 76 vs. LSU 73
In 1991, there were only 10 SEC teams so each team played every other team twice for a total of 18 conference games. The Bulldogs came into this game with a record of 12-5 and LSU was 13-4. LSU had won five in a row, and seven straight SEC games coming into Starkville. Since the Tigers had already clinched at least a share of the SEC Championship Dale Brown rested Shaq in this game (he dinged his knee in the mid-week game).
While not having to play against Shaq and his 27.6 PPG, 14.7 RPG and 5.0 BPG would seem to diminish the quality of this win, MSU did beat LSU with Shaq in Baton Rouge a month prior. MSU/LSU was a big rivalry back then; State had won six of the last seven vs. a school who was on their way to their 8th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Mississippi State had not won an SEC Championship in 28 years and this game was for a share of the conference Championship (with a double tie-breaker).
MSU was able to win the game with a senior-laden squad led by Greg Carter who had 20 points and 14 rebounds. The Dawgs withstood plenty of runs by the Tigers and held on 76-73. This would be State’s 20th and final win on the year, but the victory led to the school’s second NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 1963.
Next: 1962 vs. Kentucky