SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Mississippi State did just about everything it could to lose during the second half against SMU, thanks to a cold shooting touch and often mediocre defense.
But the eighth-ranked Bulldogs still prevailed, beating the Mustangs 72-70 on Monday in the Puerto Rico Classic.
Victoria Vivians scored 18 points and Ketara Chapel added 13 as Mississippi State (11-1) won its third game in three days and sixth straight overall.
Mississippi State controlled most of the game and had a 65-54 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs suffered through some cold shooting in the fourth quarter, scoring just seven points, but did enough on defense to secure the win.