Mississippi State will look to complete a sweep of its season-opening four-game homestand when it hosts Morehead State in a nonconference game Sunday afternoon at Starkville, Miss.
The Bulldogs have won their first three games by double figures, although their most recent game — a 77-64 victory against Detroit Mercy on Wednesday — was the most competitive matchup.
“This is probably the most fun year I’ve had here at Mississippi State,” said junior guard Iverson Molinar, who’s averaging a team-best 16 points per game. “We’re all sharing the ball. It’s fun when you play hard and are winning and are playing together.”
MSU has won in different ways. It held its first two opponents — North Alabama and Montana — to fewer than 50 points. It also is averaging 79.3 points, shooting 53 percent from the floor and 47.4 percent on 3-pointers. The Bulldogs are outrebounding their opponents by an average of 10 boards per game.
Three of the Bulldogs’ double-figure scorers transferred in during the offseason.
“We have great chemistry and a great team,” said NC State transfer Shakeel Moore, who’s averaging 14 points. “Everybody is two feet in.”
Morehead State (2-2) also has a good mixture of returning players and newcomers.
Johni Broome, the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year last season, leads the team with averages of 13.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Another veteran, Skyelar Potter is second in scoring (11 per game) and averages six rebounds.
The Eagles have outrebounded each of their opponents and have an average rebounding margin of plus-13.5.
Tray Hollowell, a graduate transfer from Wofford, is the third-leading scorer (10.8) and one of three Division I transfers contributing.
“We’ve got a couple of new pieces that we added to the team,” Broome said, “and everyone’s still on the same page.”
Morehead State, which has won its last 10 home games dating to last season, has lost at Auburn and UAB this season.
“All of this is great preparation for us to get ready for the 18 games in the OVC,” coach Preston Spradlin said.
–Field Level Media
