Bulldogs continue to accomlish goals
By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Feb. 28, 2004
Mississippi State University has already scratched off a pair of items on its basketball to-do list this season.
The No. 7-ranked Bulldogs (22-2, 11-2 Southeastern Conference) have posted their third straight 20-win season, a new school record, and picked up a second consecutive SEC Western Division title.
But there are still plenty of goals left on the team's list of goals for the season.
With a one-game lead over Kentucky, MSU is shooting for its first outright SEC crown since 1962-63, and as always, the squad is looking to cut down nets in the final college basketball game of the season in San Antonio.
Before MSU can focus on its loftier goals, the team will have to check off a win against Vanderbilt (18-6, 7-6 SEC) at 7 tonight on the road.
The Bulldogs have been dangerous on the road this season, posting a perfect 10-0 mark away from Humphrey Coliseum.
The Commodores have been stingy at home holding a 14-1 record on their home court this season, and they are 5-1 in the friendly confines of Memorial Gym against conference foes.
Ole Miss (12-12, 4-9 SEC) will be challenged by one of the hottest teams in the SEC today, as the Rebels square off against Alabama at 3 p.m.
The Crimson Tide (14-10, 6-7 SEC) host the Rebels fresh off wins over MSU and in-state rival Auburn.
Ole Miss, which has lost its last three games, has had success against Alabama this season. The Rebels defeated the Tide 71-60 on Jan. 24.
Jefferson Pilot will televise Ole Miss' contest against Alabama.
The University of Southern Mississippi concludes its regular-season road schedule at 1 p.m. today against DePaul in Chicago.
The Golden Eagles (12-12, 5-8 Conference USA) have dropped their last two games, and they are fighting for a spot in the 12-team conference tournament.
The Blue Demons (16-8, 9-4 C-USA) are fourth in the league, and they are coming off a 60-58 win over Louisville.
Mississippi Valley State (19-6, 13-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) rolls into Jackson for its second confrontation with in-state rival Jackson State (10-13, 8-6 SWAC).
The Delta Devils clinched the regular-season conference title last Monday with a 69-55 win over Texas Southern at home.
The Tigers, who are tied for second place in the conference with Texas Southern and Alabama A&M, will be trying to avenge a 50-41 road loss to MVSU on Jan. 31.
Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State are set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. today.
Alcorn State (8-16, 7-8 SWAC) hosts Southern (9-15, 6-9 SWAC) in a 7:30 p.m. contest today.
