Bulldogs host Florida
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State is experiencing a rough patch in its season, losing seven of its last nine games, and now things are about to get tougher.
The Bulldogs will host No. 13 Florida, which looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday at Humphrey Coliseum (1 p.m., ESPN).
Here are three things to watch when MSU (14-11, 5-8 SEC) takes on the Gators (21-5, 11-2).
Responding to losses
For the first time this season, MSU is on a three-game losing streak. All three losses were decided by seven points or less, which indicates the team is in games. But the Bulldogs’ remaining schedule is tough with games against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and South Carolina. All of that has the potential to leave somewhat of a bleak outlook heading into the SEC Tournament.
Ben Howland said it is important for him to stay positive while pointing out obvious mistakes because the team is the youngest in the country.
“I was encouraged by the attitude of our guys,” Howland said. “We’re not that far away. It’s not like him killing these guys because we’re not competing.”
Getting Weatherspoon back in a groove
MSU’s leading scorer Quinndary Weatherspoon has struggled recently with his shot, going 1-for-5 from the field for a season-low five points against South Carolina and 5-for-13 against Georgia. He has particularly struggled from 3-point range; he hasn’t made a trey since Auburn and has missed his last six attempts.
Early foul trouble has hurt Weatherspoon, and, perhaps, that is part of the blame for his recent slow starts. Weatherpoon committed four turnovers with only one assist against Georgia, and Howland said some of those mistakes were a product of the sophomore guard looking only inside and not toward the perimeter, where guys have been open.
Can MSU take advantage of Florida’s key injury?
If there was ever a time the Gators enter a game susceptible to an upset, it may be Saturday’s, especially if the Bulldogs can get production from post players Schnider Herard and Aric Holman. Both starters combined for only five rebounds against Georgia.
Florida center John Egbunu tore his ACL last week and is out for the season. Egbunu, who is 6-foot-11, averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game. Without him, Florida will have to rely on sophomore Kevarrius Hayes, who leads the Gators with 41 blocks and is averaging 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Florida has won seven straight, however, because it can do several things well. The Gators’ 16.4 turnover percentage is No. 37 in the nation, they are strong from the line and defend well against 3-pointers.