The Commodores held a small lead at the end of the second half and a crucial offensive rebound by the senior James Siakam sealed the deal for Vanderbilt.
Mississippi State started off hot hitting all six of their 3-pointers in the first 11 minutes of the game to claim an 11-point lead on Vanderbilt early. The Bulldogs would cool down for the rest of the game and Vandy was only heating up.
The Commodores were able to cut that 11-point lead and tie it before going down four at the break. Vanderbilt came out of the half and began attacking as they hit two long-balls to claim their first lead since 13-12. This lead would never be given back.
Mississippi State had defeated Vanderbilt earlier in conference play after a losing streak for the Bulldogs. After another bad period for Mississippi State dropping one on the road to a bottom feeder of the SEC isn't an improvement.
Kevin Stallings hopes that this win will at least get his Commodores squad into the NIT. It's not an impressive win but keeping their heads above water in the midst of March keeps their hopes alive for a post-season berth.
Mississippi State has little hope for a run at the NIT and especially not the NCAA unless they have a magical run in the SEC Tournament. The rest of the season is meant for becoming a better team and improving for another shot next year.
Individual Statistics
Craig Sword- Sword had the hot-hand in the game tonight scoring 20 points to lead the game in scoring. He went 3-4 from beyond the arc and showed why he's the leader for this Bulldogs team in every aspect of the word.
Riley LaChance- The freshmen came to play on senior night as he put up 15 points, four rebounds and three assists to lead Vanderbilt scorers. LaChance was the star on a night that others should've been.
James Siakam- The senior scored his final points in Memorial Gymnasium in a way Vanderbilt fans would have wanted. He scored 12 points and grabbed seven boards as his final basket was a fast break dunk to seal the game. A perfect outcome for the senior.
Gavin Ware- Ware did enough scoring but did not have a fantastic shooting night. He finished with 12 points and went 4-10 from the floor for a below average night from the junior.