Well, that wasn't expected.
The Ben Howland era started off on a blazing start with a 106-88 victory over defending Big Sky champions Eastern Washington Friday night, before stumbling to Southern University on Monday, 76-72.
Craig Sword led the way for the Bulldogs with 16 points. Gavin Ware also had a solid showing for the Maroon and White, producing 13 points.
The main problem in this one for Mississippi State was turnovers. The Bulldogs turned it over 19 times, compared to just 8 for Southern. Late in the game, Mississippi State seemed inept in clutch situations.