Austin says Bulldogs can get better
By By Richard Dark / EMG staff writer
Dec. 29, 2002
NEW ORLEANS Mario Austin knows this team still has a long way to go. After the way the Mississippi State Bulldogs handled the fifth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners in Saturday's Nokia Sugar Bowl Basketball Classic, the ramifications of that are scary.
After the game, Austin said the chemistry of this basketball team isn't where it should be yet, mainly because of the six-game suspension he was forced to serve by the NCAA to begin the year.
Ironically enough, the York, Ala. Native said his return may have been somewhat disruptive.
Smith did not play, but Campbell put in four points and grabbed one board in six minutes. Vincent added three boards, three points, two blocks and a steal in 188 minutes of work.
That translated to 25 total points for MSU in the paint, to only five for the Sooners.
His tough defense underneath, as well as a game high 18-points helped to do just that.
Stansbury's surgery: MSU coach Rick Stansbury had knee surgery on Christmas Eve to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. "The pain was getting so bad, we just had to go ahead now and do something about it. It couldn't wait until after the season," he said. "I think it was caused by all that stomping the (gym) floor I do during games."
As good as Bama: OU coach Kelvin Sampson has played both MSU and top-ranked Alabama, accounting for both of the Sooners losses. "To me there, is no difference in the two teams," he said. "Rankings aren't what's important."
Terrific traveling turnout: Despite having a pair of New Orleanians on the Oklahoma roster, the crowd was decidedly partisan in favor of the Bulldogs. Stansbury wasn't surprised. "Those people in our favor were Bulldogs," he said beaming. "Those people you heard weren't cheering just to be cheering they were Bulldog fans, we had a great turnout today. They were a tremendous help to us." MSU was the designated home team.
Sugary sweet success: It has been a while since a school from Mississippi has participated in the Sugar Bowl basketball Classic, but they have made their mark upon doing so. Past tournament MVPs from the state include MSUs Jeff Malone in 1982 and John Stroud of Ole Miss in 1979. The win upped MSUs Sugar Bowl Classic record to 9-4. Other State MVPs include: Bailey Howell (1958) and Red Stroud (1961).
Quick bite: Stansbury could not help but quickly interject when Austin was on the postgame interview podium speaking about taking pride in the defensive intensity.
Stansbury joked.
Nice warm-up: The close nip and tuck contest was a good crowd warmup to the day's second game. The "hometown" matchup saw No. 25 LSU (8-1) put away Tulane 76-62.
Still perfect: The Bulldogs have now won all three meetings against the Sooners
What's next: The Bulldogs will be in Mobile Monday night to take on South Alabama.
