Top 30 Games in Mississippi State Basketball History
#3: Sweet 16 in 1996 – Mississippi State 60 vs. UConn 55
#1 seed Connecticut vs #5 seed Mississippi State. The game was played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
In 1995, MSU lost in the Sweet 16 to the #1 overall seed UCLA (who went on to win the national championship). Now in 1996 State had to play the #1 overall seed UConn led by Ray Allen in the Sweet 16. The Bulldogs were, of course, heavy underdogs.
From the tip State came out swinging, and led 10-2 at the first timeout. The lead stayed and it was 37-25 at halftime, and then as much as a 15 point lead in the 2nd half. Darryl Wilson was the sharp shooter hitting seven 3’s in a 27 point effort.
UConn did have a run in them before it was said and done. They caught fire and Ray Allen had the ball in his hands down three with :20 to go, but he missed the trey. Dampier secured the rebound, hit a couple of free throws and the Dawgs were able to make it further than they ever had before, the Elite 8.
Next: 1996 vs. Kentucky