Bulldogs host Razorbacks to begin conference action
A sharp Xavian Stapleton may be just the shot in the arm the Mississippi State Bulldogs need going into Southeastern Conference play.
Stapleton is coming off a career-high performance of 16 points as the Bulldogs won their final non-conference game over North Florida 109-81 last Saturday.
MSU men's basketball coach Ben Howland likes the way the now-healthy Stapleton is playing going into tonight's SEC opener against Arkansas. The tip at Humphrey Coliseum is set for 8 p.m. and will be televised by the SEC Network.
“Xavian was set back with those two weeks plus that he was out with his knee and to get the confidence back,” Howland said. “He's really shooting the ball well from 3 and you have to give him credit for playing hard, so I'm excited with how he's played the last couple of games.”
Stapleton hit six out of the 10 shots he attempted in 18 minutes played against North Florida, including three out of five tries from 3-point territory.
Even though he's not in a starting role at this time for the Bulldogs, Stapleton is getting more comfortable when he is on the court and he's getting help.
“I give credit to my teammates finding me open and getting me open shots when I'm there,” Stapleton said. “I was able to lock in and knock them down.”
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