Mississippi State eyes looming battle versus Auburn Tigers

By By Carver Rayburn/staff writer
February 16, 2003
STARKVILLE Mississippi State pulled out a physical 68-64 overtime victory over Ole Miss at "The Hump" on Saturday night. The Bulldogs can now focus on a SEC West showdown with Auburn on Wednesday. The Bulldogs are now in position to take sole possession of first place with a win over the Tigers.
The Bulldogs have won three straight SEC games at home and 7 of their last eight since starting the SEC with an 0-3 record.
Next up for Ole Miss
The Rebels will have the week off before returning to action against Auburn on Saturday. Ole Miss has lost six straight games beginning with a 58-57 loss to MSU in Oxford on on January 29.
Barnes said that Ole Miss will take Sunday and Monday off and then return to practice on Tuesday.
Barnes also added that he was not giving up on his team.
Cold Shooting
Most of the media in attendance expected a defensive battle between the two schools. Ole Miss and MSU gave those in attendance a clinic on how to miss shots early on. The Rebels shot 7 of 23 from the field for 30 percent, while the Bulldogs made 10 of 25 for 40 percent.
Neither one of the two teams broke into double digits until the 8:00 mark of the first half.
Harper stuck on 199
Aaron Harper scored 11 points and had three three-pointers to give himself 199 three-pointers for his career at Ole Miss. Harper hit back to back three pointers in the second half to give the Rebels a 40-37 lead.
Harper should move into the 200 trey club against Auburn and only needs 17 points to break the 1000 plateau at Ole Miss.
Points in the Paint
MSU used its size to its advantage and went inside all night long. The Bulldogs outscored the Rebels by a margin of 32-14 form inside the paint on Saturday.