Mississippi State coach Chris Jans would prefer to avoid the deficits his squad has faced in its last two games. But he is pleased with how his team responded and hopes for smoother sailing when his 25th-ranked Bulldogs (5-0) face UNLV (4-1) in the Arizona Tip-off on Thursday night in Tempe, Ariz. Mississippi State trailed host SMU by 13 points in the first half and by five points at halftime before outscoring the Mustangs 51-41 in the second half of an 84-79 victory last Friday. Five days earlier, the Bulldogs trailed Utah by 11 at halftime before outscoring the Utes 50-34 in the second half of a 78-73 victory.
No. 25 Mississippi State eyes complete game vs. UNLV
