They don't ask how, they just ask how many. #14 Mississippi State basketball survived a tricky road test against South Carolina, prevailing 65-60 in overtime. It was a sluggish offensive day for the Bulldogs, but they eventually found enough momentum to grab a 50-36 lead with 8:50 left in regulation.
Unfortunately, a run of ugly offense would lead to enough easy buckets for South Carolina to get right back into it. The Gamecocks would close the game on a 19-5 run to force overtime. That sloppiness would continue in the extra period, and despite retaking the lead, State looked prime to give it right back. Luckily, they held on and walked away with a much-needed victory.
The Bulldog defense ultimately did enough
After allowing an average of 83 PPG in the last four, holding an opponent to 60 points (55 in regulation) was a welcome sight from the Bulldogs. State held South Carolina to 29.3% shooting and just 20% from three. They forced 19 turnovers. Outside of free throws and second chance opportunities, the Gamecocks couldn't do anything on offense. Now, South Carolina is not a good offensive team, but this was a chance at a get-right game for State defensively, and they capitalized.
Insistence on three-point shooting is hurting Mississippi State basketball
This game could've been a lot less stressful if State wasn't shooting so many threes. The Bulldogs attempted 26 threes, making only six of them. Too be fair, many of those looks were open, and you'd think this roster would be suited to take advantage. But as we've seen lately, this team as a whole is ice-cold from distance.
Meanwhile they're finding success attacking the paint. State shot 57% from two and was at their most effective when they got the ball to KeShawn Murphy and Michael Nwoko. Had that been the approach for the entirety of the game, the Bulldogs likely win easily.
Despite a stressful game, Mississippi State basketball earning another road win should not be dismissed
It wasn't pretty, and the opponent makes the performance a bit more frustrating. But Mississippi State fans should not dismiss this win as insignificant. Road wins in the SEC, even against South Carolina, are incredibly hard to come by. This same Gamecocks team went wire-to-wire with Top 5 squads in Auburn and Florida. They're better than their record indicates.
State now has a 4-2 road record, with two of those wins coming in SEC play. The only SEC team with more road wins on the year is Alabama. That's big for their resume and could be a factor that boosts their seeding come Selection Sunday.