Nuke's

SEC semi-final action in Tampa saw Mississippi State defeat regular season champion LSU 67-57 to advance to tommorow’s final against the winner of this afternoon’s Tennessee-Auburn matchup.

State jumped out to an early lead over a Tiger team that appeared a half-step slower throughout much of the day.  After taking a two point halftime lead, the Bullies made a key defensive change midway through the 2nd half, when Jarvis “Swat” Varnardo and Phil Turner switched defensive responsibilities on forward Tasmin Mitchell.  Mitchell went for 41 points in LSU’s mid-season double overtime victory over the Dogs. Swat absolutely smothered Mitchell who managed 15 points on the day.

POY Marcus Thornton was held to 14 points, 0-6 from the 3 point line.  State was led by Varnardo’s 19 point, 7 block, 7 rebound effort, and Barry Stewart’s 17 points, including 10 of 12 from the line.  The State bench contributed 13 points, 7 from super-sub Kodi Augustus, whose late season heroics have provided the x-factor sparkle that has changed State from a good team to an excellent one.

The victory was MSU’s fifth straight.  No doubt, the Bulldogs are playing their best ball of the year.

Box score

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Filed under: Louisiana, Mississippi, The South Tagged: | barry stewart, espn, jarvis varnardo, kodi augustus, lsu basketball, marcus thornton, Mississippi State Basketball, sec basketball, swat, tasmin mitchell