Mississippi State's defense shuts down South Dakota 79-42

Nov 18, 2022, 04:23 am

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- — Tolu Smith scored 16 points, Cameron Matthews made all six of his shots and added 14 points, and Mississippi State beat South Dakota 79-42 on Thursday night.

South Dakota had 17 turnovers and 16 field goals against a Mississippi State defense ranked eighth nationally by allowing just 48.33 points per game. The Bulldogs also entered with opponents shooting 31%, ranking 11th. The Coyotes finished 16 of 54 for 30%.

After South Dakota opened the scoring, Mississippi State scored the next 13 points and led by double figures the rest of the way. It was 38-15 at halftime after Mississippi State shot 49% from the floor with 15 points off turnovers and 26 points in the paint.

D.J. Jeffries had 12 points and nine rebounds for Mississippi State (4-0).

Paul Bruns scored 11 points for South Dakota (2-2).

Both teams play in the Fort Myers Tip-Off next week. Mississippi States starts against Marquette on Monday and South Dakota faces Long Island University on Tuesday.

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