Florida Tech preview
Never before has Mississippi State played a game prior to Oct. 31 to begin a season, but that all changes on Saturday when the Bulldogs host Florida Tech in the first of two exhibition games.
Tip at Humphrey Coliseum is set for 2 p.m., and admission is free. The game will also be video streamed live on Maroon To The Max for subscribers, with Jason Crowder providing play-by-play and Anthony Craven serving as the color commentator.
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"We've had a tough two weeks of two-a-days, and I know our guys are ready to play," 14th-year MSU coach Rick Stansbury said. "They've gone against each other every day in practice, and I know they are looking forward to playing someone else."
The Bulldogs return two starters from last year's 17-14 squad - senior guard Dee Bost and junior forward Renardo Sidney.
Earlier this week, Bost was tabbed first-team All-SEC by the media. The Concord, N.C., native is MSU's top returning scorer from a year ago, when he averaged 15.3 points.
"We're ready to just play," Bost said. "We feel we've got a chance to do something really special."
Also back and expected to start is senior guard Brian Bryant, while UTEP transfer Arnett Moultrie will be seeing his first action in two years.
Florida Tech posted a 19-12 ledger last season. Back from that team is guard Simon Cummings, who averaged 12.3 points.
After Saturday, MSU concludes exhibition play at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 against Pikesville.