Florida has already been upset earlier in the day by Albany. And with Mississippi State's game-long struggle against Chattanooga, it wasn't shaping up to be a good start to the NCAA tournament for the SEC. The league that sent nine teams into March's marquee event was at risk of losing its first two immediately.
Thanks to Mississippi State's physical dominance, that didn't happen and the Bulldogs survived, 60-50.
Mississippi State needed every ounce of the home crowd's support because the Mocs pushed the Bulldogs into the fourth quarter.
How the game was won: Chattanooga showed its veteran, big-game, experience for much of the game.