No. 18 Mississippi State goes into its season opener Friday against Austin Peay with two primary objectives, according to coach Ben Howland -- improve the team's shooting and get valuable contribution from newcomers.
Howland, who begins his fourth season with the Bulldogs after going 25-12 last year, was pleased with both the shooting and the freshmen in his team's 88-57 exhibition win over Georgia Southwestern State on Sunday.
Freshmen forwards Reggie Perry and Robert Woodard scored 13 consecutive points to give Mississippi State a 30-5 lead right before halftime. They combined for three 3-pointers in that span.