Feb 20, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State players celebrate after defeating the Mississippi Rebels at The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mississippi State led from start to finish on Saturday, defeating in-state rival Ole Miss 66-56 at the Pavilion. The Bulldogs moved back above .500 at 12-11 (6-8 SEC) with the win, and Ole Miss dropped to 12-9 (7-7 SEC).
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 13-4 lead after Abdul Ado completed an old-fashioned three-point play. Deivon Smith added another hoop-and-harm with 9:28 to go to give MSU its biggest lead of the first half at 22-9.