State stays hot from the field
Posted: 01/06/09 - 11:55:17 am CST
STARKVILLE (AP) — Ravern Johnson had a career-high 26 points to lead Mississippi State to a 95-67 victory over Western Kentucky on Monday night.
The Bulldogs (10-5) hit 14 3-pointers, including six by Johnson, to tie a school record.
“When you get a few guys making shots, it gets contagious,” Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury said. “When you combine that with the way we played defensively, you can control both ends.”
Mississippi State led 47-25 at the half thanks to an early 17-0 run and finished a season-high 35-for-53 from the field. The Bulldogs also hit 11 of 12 free throws.
“On the road you can’t allow a team to go out and throw that knockout punch,” Western Kentucky coach Ken McDonald said. “They did that early and got some confidence under them.”
Western Kentucky (9-5) shot 41.6 percent (28 of 67) from the field and had 11 turnovers. The Hilltoppers never overcame their 11-of-31 shooting in the first half.
“Our defense just wasn’t there,” McDonald said. “We didn’t play with the energy we needed to or the energy we’ve been playing with. You try different things throughout the game to get something going, but nothing worked.”
Johnson was 9-for-10 for the Bulldogs and Dee Bost and Barry Stewart added 18 points each.
“After I hit my first shot I just felt comfortable out there,” Johnson said. “Guys kept giving me the ball, so I just kept shooting.”
Johnson is averaging 12.5 points per game this season.
|
Let us know what you think about this story or topic.
|
Your comment may not
immediately appear on this Web site. We appreciate your patience.
|
|
|
|
|
RSS
