MSU Impressive In Season Opener

STARKVILLE, Miss. — As far as season openers go, Friday night couldn’t have been much better for Mississippi State.

In front of 6,611 fans at Humphrey Coliseum, the Bulldogs (1-0) rolled past Alabama State in impressive fashion, 96-68.

Junior forward Aric Holman led the way with his 18 points and 11 rebounds for his third-career double-double. Both tied his career highs.

He was joined in double-digit scoring by All-SEC standout Quinndary Weatherspoon with 17 points, Eli Wright with 12 points and E.J. Datcher, Nick Weatherspoon and Tyson Carter with 11 each.

“(Holman) did a great job of passing the ball, stretching the floor and blocking shots,” said MSU coach Ben Howland, who is now 3-0 in openers at MSU. “I think he had a great first half and ended up with a double-double.”

Holman scored 17 of his points in the first frame as MSU took a 58-31 lead into the break.

The Hornets (0-1) led just once at 1-0 on a free throw by Branden Johnson. But a 30-8 run capped by a Holman free throw gave MSU all the momentum it needed to shut ASU down.

In the second half, the lead swelled to many as 35 points at 76-41 on a dunk by Wright, whose 12 points were a career high.

In all, 14 MSU players logged minutes, with 10 scoring.

On the night, Mississippi State was 31-of-64 shooting, 7-20 from beyond the arc. ASU was 25-67, 7-26. MSU also won the battle of the boards, 47-41.

Lamar Peters also had a solid performance by tying his career high with 7 assists.

Jacoby Ross paced the Hornets with 17 points, while Ed Jones added 16.

Mississippi State gets some time off before returning to the court on Nov. 18 at home against Florida A&M. Tip is set for 1 p.m.