Mississippi State Basketball: Tolu Smith’s career day leads the Bulldogs past Florida

Mississippi State Basketball: Tolu Smith’s Career Day Leads MSU Past Florida

Tolu Smith posted career-highs with 27 points and 14 rebounds, leading Mississippi State to a much-needed 72-69 win over Florida on Saturday. The Bulldogs improved to 9-5 (4-2 SEC) with the win. The Gators dropped to 6-4 (3-3 SEC).

Both teams needed a win on Saturday, and that was evident throughout the first 20 minutes. The largest lead for either team came at the 5:37 mark after an Abdul Ado layup had MSU up 22-17. After trading buckets to end the half, Mississippi State led 32-29 at the break.

The Bulldogs came out blazing in the second half, scoring eight unanswered to gain control of the game. After Mike White took a timeout, the Gators began to get back in the game slowly.

A pair of free throws from Tyree Appleby cut the lead to 42-35 with 16:12 to play. An Iverson Molinar, three on the ensuing possession, extended State’s lead back to 10.

Colin Castleton‘s layup cut Mississippi State’s lead to just 4 at the under-8 media timeout. However, State again regained control and began to further the lead. Tolu Smith knocked down two free throws, extending the lead to 65-56 with just over three minutes to play.

With a minute and a half to go and State up 9, Ado drove down the middle of the lane and threw down an emphatic slam to go up 69-58. It looked like Mississippi State would secure a double-digit win. The Gators, however, would not go away. After DJ Stewart made 1 of 2 free throws, a Colin Castleton layup cut the lead to 71-64 with 28 seconds left.

After a Molinar turnover and a Tre Mann basket, Florida was back within striking distance down just five. With 19 seconds to play, Jalen Johnson made 1 of 2 from the line, giving MSU a 72-66 lead. Florida then got a quick and-one on the other end as Tre Mann was fouled by Ado while finishing a layup.

DJ Stewart’s missed layup on the other end gave Florida one last possession to tie. Luckily for Mississippi State, Mann’s three-point try clanked off the rim, and MSU escaped with a 72-69 win. A hectic last minute of play made the score a lot closer than the game was, with Mississippi State leading the entire second half.

Tolu Smith willed Mississippi State to the win, pouring in 27 points and 14 rebounds. Smith shot an efficient 11-13 from the field. State also got great production out of Abdul Ado, as he was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and 9 boards.

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Guards Iverson Molinar and DJ Stewart finished in double-figures with 13 and 11, respectively. Mississippi State shot 48% from the field but only connected on 1-8 from behind the arc. The Bulldogs also struggled from the charity stripe, shooting just 54%. MSU enjoyed a 47-26 advantage on the boards, including 15 on the offensive side.

Tyree Appleby led Florida with 20 points, who connected on 11-11 free throws. Castleton added 16 points, and Tre Mann matched his season average with 14. The Gators shot well from the free-throw line, going 14-16.

Mississippi State will complete a three-game homestand on Tuesday night when they battle in-state rival Ole Miss. The game is set for 8 PM on the SEC Network.