Sparked by Gavin Ware's 26 points, the Bulldogs rallied from a double digit deficit to win Ben Howland's first game in Starkville.
In front of the largest home crowd since 2012, Mississippi State stormed back from a ten point second half deficit to defeat the Eastern Washington Eagles. After trailing 51-48 at the half, the Eagles came out on fire, building on their lead and sending a brief moment of fear into the Bulldog fanbase. A late rally and 20-0 run in the second half finally restored order in the Hump. Coach Howland knew before the game that the Bulldogs were in for quite a battle.